The ceremony marked the conclusion of the FIA General Assembly, which took place in Rwanda from December 10 to 13, 2024, coinciding with the 120th anniversary of the founding of the organization.
The FIA Awards ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including President Paul Kagame and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The Head of State, accompanied by Ben Sulayem, presented two major awards, one of which was for the best driver in Formula One. Max Verstappen received the award for the fourth consecutive year, defeating Lando Norris, who came second, and Charles Leclerc, who finished third.
President Kagame also presented an award to Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren, for the best team of 2024. McLaren, which includes drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, was recognized for its performance this year.
In total, awards were given across 16 categories, including the World Karting Championship, Rally-Raid, Formula 2, Rally, Formula E, Endurance, and Rallycross.
Among the honorees was French driver Michèle Mouton, who received the “Lifetime Award” from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem after 50 years of involvement in motorsport.
The 73-year-old Mouton competed in motorsport until 1986 and now focuses on organizing races.
In his welcoming remarks, Brig Gen Patrick Karuretwa, the Director-General of International Military Cooperation at the Ministry of Defence, appreciated the strong collaboration between the Defence attachés and the Mnistry of Defence (MINADEF), which benefits both Rwanda and their respective countries.
Col Didier Calmant the President of the Rwanda Military Attachés Association from Belgium, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Defence for the informative security updates and the valuable opportunity to engage in discussions on Defence and security matters.
The briefing, hosted by the Ministry of Defence, was attended by 27 Defence attachés and associates from countries including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Egypt, Sudan, Ghana, France, Turkey, the USA, China, Belgium, Namibia, Angola, Italy, Qatar, Germany, South Korea, Poland, Sweden, Ethiopia, Russia, Senegal, Denmark, Israel, The Netherlands, the UK, and the European Union (EU).
The Ministry of Defence and Rwanda Defence Force regularly organize briefings to provide Defence attachés, both resident and non-resident, with the opportunity to discuss current Defence and security dynamics at national, regional, and international levels, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between their countries and Rwanda.
On the same day, RDF held an end-of-year dinner to honor Defence attachés accredited to Rwanda. The event took place at the Senior Officers Mess in Kimihurura, Kigali.
Brig Gen Celestin Kanyamahanga, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), represented the Minister of Defence as the guest of honor. In his address, he welcomed the Defence attachés and praised their presence as a demonstration of the importance of cooperation.
He emphasized that partnerships with other allies are a crucial aspect of the Rwanda Defence Forces’ professionalization journey.
“We believe that no single country can confront contemporary security challenges. It is therefore paramount for all of us to embrace trust, confidence, and interoperability through defence cooperation as we jointly contribute to global security,” Brig Gen Kanyamahanga noted.
The event, organized by the Department of International Military Cooperation, was attended by Defence attachés, RDF generals, senior officers, and invited guests.
Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente presided over the event, commissioning the graduates to the rank of Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP). He also recognized the top three performers: Frederick Ndinzi, Felix Nahimana, and Eric Manzi.”
Dr. Ngirente emphasized the importance of security as a foundation for Rwanda’s development. He praised the Rwanda National Police for collaborating with citizens and other security agencies to fulfil its responsibilities effectively, promoting trust among Rwandans and international partners.
He noted that despite Rwanda’s current state of peace, global threats to security—such as cross-border crimes, drug trafficking, and cybercrimes—require continuous vigilance.
The Prime Minister urged the police to remain prepared, engage with citizens to report crimes promptly and participate in national development activities.
Dr. Ngirente reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the police force by providing equipment, infrastructure, personnel, and training to ensure public safety.
He called on the new officers to uphold integrity, professionalism, and their oath of service, while making the most of their opportunity to serve the nation.
The 12-month training program covered leadership, weapon handling, values, and discipline.
Among the 635 graduates, 527 were men and 108 women. Some of the graduates were already part of the police force, while others came from civilian backgrounds. A few represented other agencies, including the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), and the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS).
The program also featured four weeks of field practice and involvement in the July 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, which provided hands-on experience.
CP Robert Niyonshuti, the Commandant of Gishari Police Training School, highlighted that two Rwandan trainees had studied at Singapore’s Home Team Academy.
He noted that out of the 641 initial trainees, six did not complete the course due to health and other challenges. He encouraged the graduates to demonstrate professionalism and ethical conduct in their duties.
The ceremony was attended by key officials, including the Minister of Defense, Juvenal Marizamunda; Chief of Defense Staff of the Rwanda Defense Force, Gen Mubarakh Muganga; Inspector General of Police (IGP) Felix Namuhoranye; Secretary General of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), Aimable Havugiyaremye; Minister of Justice, Dr. Ugirashebuja Emmanuel; and other security and national leaders.
The parents and guardians of the graduates also attended to support them on this important milestone.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE following her swearing-in ceremony on December 12, 2024, Justice Mukantaganzwa highlighted her key priorities: tackling the backlog of cases, promoting alternative dispute resolution, and combating corruption within the judiciary.
Upon assuming office, Mukantaganzwa stressed the importance of understanding the judicial system’s structure and personnel, with a goal to address the inefficiencies that hinder the timely delivery of justice.
{{Tackling the case backlog}}
One of the most pressing challenges facing Rwanda’s judicial system is the backlog of cases. Mukantaganzwa acknowledged this issue as a major barrier to delivering swift and fair justice.
To address this, she has proposed a categorization of cases to better understand their nature and complexity.
“For example, in civil cases, we can assist the parties in reaching a settlement. Even in criminal cases, some can be resolved through mediation, which can help speed up the justice process,” she said.
The Chief Justice believes that mediation, especially for less serious offenses, could significantly ease the burden on courts.
Mediation, according to Mukantaganzwa, is an effective tool in ensuring that both parties come to an understanding, even if the case is resolved outside the courtroom.
She emphasized that the primary goal is to “resolve the issue and have both parties reconcile,” which would ultimately lead to positive outcomes for society as a whole.
In her view, resolving cases outside the courtroom would not only save time but also reduce the overcrowding in prisons—a problem that is intricately linked to the backlog of cases.
“Not all cases are of the same nature or weight,” she pointed out. Some cases, she noted, are simple and could be resolved much quicker without formal court proceedings.
By promoting alternative dispute resolution methods, Mukantaganzwa believes that a significant portion of disputes could be settled without overwhelming the judicial system.
{{Strengthening public trust and fighting corruption}}
A major theme of Mukantaganzwa’s vision is cementing public trust in the judiciary. The Chief Justice highlighted that one of the core reasons behind public dissatisfaction with the judicial process is the perception of corruption.
To counter this, she emphasized the need for a transparent and unbiased judiciary.
“Corruption is an individual problem, not an institutional one,” Mukantaganzwa asserted.
She made it clear that any judge or judicial employee found involved in corruption would face strict legal consequences, including criminal prosecution and removal from office.
The aim, she explained, is to foster public confidence by ensuring that the judiciary remains free of corruption.
In her view, the fight against corruption must go hand-in-hand with a broader effort to educate the public about the importance of trust and fairness in the legal system.
“Ultimately, the responsibility is to build confidence in the judiciary,” she added. “We must continue to foster trust by ensuring the justice system is transparent, unbiased, and fair.”
{{Leveraging technology}}
While technology has been playing a role in streamlining processes across various sectors, Mukantaganzwa recognizes that it is not a one-size-fits-all solution for the judiciary.
She expressed openness to using technology where it can assist in speeding up case processing but cautioned that technology should not be seen as a magical fix for the backlog.
“The backlog is more related to our mentality as Rwandans,” she explained.
In her view, many cases brought before the courts could be resolved through other means, such as community mediation or restorative justice, without the need for lengthy legal battles.
{{Upholding judicial integrity}}
The Chief Justice also emphasized the critical role of integrity in the judiciary. In her message to those working within the judicial system, she urged them to remain firm in their commitment to fair and transparent justice.
Mukantaganzwa highlighted the national implications of judicial decisions and the importance of making choices that promote unity and public trust.
“We must always ask ourselves, ‘Do the citizens perceive this decision as fair?’” she remarked. For her, the law is the ultimate guide, and decisions must be rooted in it.
She believes that the judiciary’s decisions have far-reaching consequences, and therefore, judges and court personnel must always ensure their actions align with the law, ensuring fairness and justice for all.
François Bayrou has been tasked with forming a new government in the near future. He will lead the French government during challenging economic times, with the budget deficit continuing to rise, from 5.5% last year to 6.6% this year.
Bayrou served as Minister of Education from 1993 to 1997 and as Minister of Justice in 2017. The 73 years old veteran politician who founded the “Mouvement Democrate” party, as Minister of Education during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in is
He is one of the French political figures who deny their country’s involvement in these historical events.
In May 2021 when President Macron visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial, he expressed his support for survivors, and offered an apology for France’s failure to protect the Tutsi during the Genocide.
Bayrou was a big critic of President Macron’s statements, arguing that France has nothing to apologize for since, according to him, France had no role in the genocide.
“If evidence emerges, France will acknowledge mistakes, but I don’t like this policy of asking for forgiveness,” he said.
In an interview with France TV in June 2021, he revealed that the information he had, was given to him by former President François Mitterrand, who led France from 1981 to 1995, during their many discussions.
Ethiopia and Somalia reached an agreement on Wednesday after Turkish-mediated negotiations in Ankara, marking a breakthrough in resolving misunderstandings between the two nations.
Tensions had been escalating between Ethiopia and Somalia after Ethiopia and Somaliland signed an agreement earlier this year allowing Ethiopia access to the Red Sea in exchange for its recognition of Somaliland as an independent state. Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its territory, described the agreement as having no legal force.
“The chairperson welcomes the communique signed by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Dec. 11 in Ankara, under the auspices of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan,” the AU said in a statement issued on Thursday.
The AU chief praised “this important act of high responsibility on the part of the leaders of Somalia and Ethiopia.” Faki encouraged them to implement the agreed-upon measures without delay.
Following the agreement, Abiy and Mohamud issued a joint statement emphasizing cooperation and dialogue between the two countries.
Both leaders reaffirmed their respect and commitment to one another’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity and agreed to work together to finalize arrangements which will allow Ethiopia to enjoy access to and from the sea.
The awards cover major competitions, including Formula 1, World Rally-Raid Championship, Formula 2, World Rally Championship, Formula E World Championship, World Endurance Championship, World Rallycross Championship, and World Karting Championships.
In addition to the athletes, FIA will also recognize outstanding teams and organizations for their contributions to motorsport innovation and excellence.
Below are the top athletes and achievements to be celebrated at BK Arena in Kigali on Friday night, December 13, 2024:
{{Formula 1: }} Max Verstappen (Red Bull) leads the list with 437 points, followed by Lando Norris (McLaren) and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari). Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, will be awarded for leading the best team of 2024.
{{World Rally Championship:}} Thierry Neuville (Hyundai Motorsport) is the champion, with 242 points, and will be honored alongside his co-driver, Martijn Wydaeghe.
{{World Endurance Championship:}} André Lotterer, Kévin Estre, and Laurens Vanthoor will share the award after tying with 152 points each.
{{World Rallycross Championship:}} Johan Kristoffersson (Sweden), a seven-time champion, will be recognized for his stellar performance, securing 240 points.
{{World Rally-Raid Championship:}} Nasser Al-Attiyah (Qatar) and co-driver Edouard Boulanger will receive the award for dominating this off-road endurance series.
{{Formula 2: }} Gabriel Bortoleto clinched the championship with 214.5 points across 11 races, outperforming 28 other competitors.
{{World Karting Championships:}} British racer Ethan Jeff-Hall will be awarded in the senior category, Kenzo Craigie in juniors, and Giuseppe Palomba for the 15-year-old category.
Apart from these disciplines, FIA will also honor motorsport legends for their significant contributions to the sport.
The Head of State made the announcement during the FIA General Assembly held at the Kigali Convention Center, following months of reports of Rwanda’s push to host the high-profile sporting event.
In his speech, Kagame expressed delight at the progress made so far, acknowledging the positive discussions with Formula 1 officials, led by CEO Stefano Domenicali.
Rwanda’s bid to host the Grand Prix is part of a broader strategy to attract high-profile sports events to Africa—a continent that has not hosted a Formula 1 race since the 1993 South African Grand Prix.
“I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is beginning to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa by hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix. A big thank you to Stefano Domenicali and the entire team at Formula 1 for the good progress in our discussions so far,” President Kagame stated.
“I assure you that we are approaching this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment it deserves. Together, we will build something we can all be proud of,” he added.
At the same time, President Kagame emphasized the unifying power of sports in a fragmented world.
“In a world where various forces are pushing us apart, the values of sportsmanship should bring us even closer together. It all comes down to respect and giving everyone the chance to contribute where they can. That’s why it is so important for countries in every region and at every income level to have a fair shot at hosting international sporting events.”
He criticized detractors who have questioned Rwanda’s efforts to host international events like the FIA General Assembly, stating, “Sometimes, when a non-traditional host country is announced, it is as if we did something wrong, especially if you judge by the media reaction. These attitudes have to be left in the past, and the role of sports governing bodies is absolutely central.”
The initiative to host major events ties into Rwanda’s broader economic transformation plan, which includes significant investments in sports infrastructure, such as the BK Arena, the renovated Amahoro Stadium, and the upcoming Zaria Courts Complex.
“Our philosophy has always been to make the most of our valuable resources. We understand that sports is not just about buildings or events but requires an entire ecosystem to cultivate talent and excite fans. This has a real and tangible impact, not only on our economy but also on our people. For every hotel, recreation facility, or restaurant that gets built, new jobs are created,” the president added.
Hosting a Formula 1 race would not only bolster Rwanda’s motorsport ambitions but also create jobs, boost tourism, and enhance the nation’s position as a key player in international sports.
The 2024 FIA General Assembly in Kigali is set to conclude on Friday evening with an awards ceremony honouring notable figures, including Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen.
Ishimwe Gad emerged as the winner in a competition inviting students to create artwork reflecting the FIA’s milestone as it celebrates its 120th anniversary.
He was announced as the winner during a cocktail reception at the Kigali Convention Centre on Thursday, December 12, 2024, hosted by President Paul Kagame.
Ishimwe’s artwork, a colourful and dynamic representation of motorsport’s vitality and heritage, will now hold a permanent place at the FIA’s headquarters in the historic Place de la Concorde in Paris.
The achievement elevates his creation to the ranks of internationally acclaimed pieces that celebrate the rich history and promising future of motorsport.
“This is a dream come true,” Ishimwe remarked. “To have my work displayed in Paris alongside other renowned artists is an honour, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent Rwanda on a global stage.”
The art competition was one of several initiatives tied to the FIA’s anniversary celebrations, blending motorsport and art to promote cultural exchange.
Thursday’s event brought together FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, members of the FIA World Motor Sport Council, and motorsport enthusiasts from around the world.
Adding to the evening’s significance, attendees witnessed the unveiling of the first-ever FIA Level 2 Affordable Cross Car produced in Africa. The innovative project was developed through collaboration between Rwandan polytechnic students, the FIA, and the Rwanda Automobile Club.
The “Cross Car” is a compact, specialized vehicle equipped with critical features such as a protective racing seat, reinforced safety structures, race-specific tires, and a unique design to protect drivers in case of accidents.
Its safety elements include a six-point harness system and a window opening for easy entry and exit. The vehicle operates with a manual transmission and requires specialized skills and training, as it differs significantly from regular rally cars.
Dutch-Belgian Formula One champion Max Verstappen will test the car.
In his address, President Kagame emphasized the importance of promoting innovation and encouraging young talent in Africa.
“Young people everywhere on the continent, in different fields of sport, show up in large numbers, but they are limited by access to opportunity. I appreciate that the message is loud and clear: instead of Africa exporting talent all the time to other places, it can also be bred, grow, and be seen to stay in Africa,” President Kagame said.
The 2024 FIA General Assembly in Kigali is set to conclude on Friday, December 13, 2024, with an awards ceremony where key figures such as Verstappen will be honoured.
The Head of State was speaking at a welcome cocktail held at the Kigali Convention Centre on the evening of December 12, 202.
“I want to thank from the bottom of my heart FIA and Mohammed bin Sulayem [FIA President] and his team for putting all this together and doing Rwanda proud to be able to host you. We appreciate that and I hope for all the time you are going to be here, you are going to enjoy your stay.”
The welcome cocktail was held at the Kigali Convention Centre, attended by conference participants, high-profile guests, and leaders from various sectors in Rwanda.
Among those present were Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa, Amadou Gallo Fall, President of the Basketball Africa League, and renowned comedian and actor Steve Harvey.
Before the cocktail reception, President Kagame, together with FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem, unveiled the first-ever FIA Level 2 Affordable Cross Car produced in Africa, an innovative project developed through collaboration between Rwandan polytechnic students, the FIA, and the Rwanda Automobile Club.
Kagame expressed his gratitude to the FIA for supporting the project, highlighting its role in facilitating knowledge transfer and encouraging the development of local talent and skills in various creative fields.
Kagame remarked that the initiative was not just important for Rwanda, but for the entire African continent, as many opportunities had long been overdue.
He acknowledged that while Africa is rich in talent, access to opportunities remains a major challenge.
Kagame emphasized that Africa should not only focus on exporting talent but also become a place where people from other parts of the world are attracted to come, contribute, and help develop the continent’s potential.
On his part, Sulayem praised the close collaboration between FIA and Rwanda in organizing the General Assembly, highlighting that it was the first time the event had been hosted with the head of state personally welcoming the attendees.
He expressed his gratitude to President Kagame for the trust placed in the FIA and thanked all attendees for traveling from around the world to participate.
The evening also celebrated the work of Rwandan artists who created pieces commemorating the FIA’s 120th anniversary. Ishimwe Gad, a student from Rwanda Polytechnic-Kigali College, was awarded first prize for his artwork, which will be displayed at the FIA headquarters in Paris, France.
From December 10 to December 13, 2024, Rwanda is hosting the FIA General Assemblies, which will culminate in the award ceremony at the BK Arena on the evening of December 13.
