This step was taken after discussions between the two parties in Luanda, Angola. Rwanda was represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, while the DRC was represented by Minister Therese K. Wagner. The meeting was also attended by Angola’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tete António, who acted as the mediator.
During the discussions, both sides reviewed a document outlining the plan for dismantling the FDLR, a group that Rwanda has repeatedly stated threatens its security. The document also details how Rwanda will lift the security measures it had previously imposed due to concerns over its security.
After agreeing on this plan, both parties signed the document. The Angolan Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “Since both parties have agreed on this matter, the Ministers decided that discussions on unresolved issues should continue as soon as possible.”
The signed document was prepared by security experts from the three countries, who met in late August and early September of this year. These activities are part of a project initiated by Angola, based on decisions made by the countries’ ministerial representatives during their meeting in Luanda on October 12, 2024.
The security experts from the three countries first met in Luanda on August 7 and 8, 2024, to discuss a way forward. They later reconvened in Rubavu in late September to prepare a report on how to dismantle the militia.
The Luanda talks began in 2022, when tensions escalated in the relationship between Rwanda and the DRC. Early that year, the DRC accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, while Rwanda accused the DRC of supporting the FDLR. Both countries deny these allegations.
Rwanda’s involvement in the Luanda talks is due to the insecurity in the DRC, which has affected bilateral relations. The discussions are based on mutual accusations of support for armed groups and the need to repatriate Congolese refugees who have fled to neighboring countries, including Rwanda.
The campaign aims to foster political commitment and collective action to eliminate all forms of GBV, including sexual violence, rape, physical-psychological abuse, and harmful traditional practices. It seeks to bring together different actors to share knowledge, support local initiatives, and create sustainable solutions.
Under the theme “Altogether, Fight Against Violence Against Women”, the campaign focuses on empowering the population of Haute-Kotto by raising awareness about preventing GBV, supporting victims, and promoting the rights and essential activities of women and girls.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Osong Esapa, the Deputy Head of Office in Sector East, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in eradicating GBV.
“Leaders at all levels must make an effort to support and educate the population to eliminate the culture of gender-based violence,” he said.
The event brought together UN officials from sector headquarters, members of Rwanda Battle Group VI, local leaders, NGOs, and women and girls from Bria town, demonstrating strong community participation and commitment to the campaign’s objectives.
With over 14 years of experience managing Marriott hotels across Asia and Africa, Aditya is tasked with overseeing all operations at both properties. His mission is to enhance service quality and provide an exceptional guest experience.
Aditya’s journey with Marriott began in 2010 through the Marriott International Voyager Program, a leadership training initiative for recent graduates. His first role was in Mumbai, India. He later moved to Oman, where he served as the Front Office Manager at Marriott Resort Salalah.
Aditya’s first posting in Africa brought him to Rwanda, where he served as the Front Office Manager at Kigali Marriott. After 18 months, he moved to Ghana to contribute to the launch of Accra Marriott Hotel in the same capacity.
He later took on the role of Director of Operations at Lagos Marriott Hotel in Nigeria, where his leadership during the hotel’s opening led to his promotion to General Manager within a year.
During his tenure in Lagos, Aditya achieved remarkable success, including leading the hotel to win several prestigious awards: “Hotel of the Year 2023,” the “J.W. Marriott Award of Excellence 2024,” and the “Debbie Marriott Harrison TakeCare Award 2024.”
He also increased the hotel’s revenue by 20% and reduced operational costs by the same margin.
Known for his strategic vision and leadership, Aditya is also passionate about travel, exploring new cuisines, and playing golf.
Staff at Kigali Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton have expressed enthusiasm about his appointment, highlighting his proven ability to drive excellence in hospitality.
“Aditya is an exemplary leader with a strong vision for advancing hospitality services. We are confident that his leadership will keep our hotels at the forefront of Kigali’s hospitality industry,” said a representative.
In his new role, Aditya plans to focus on delivering customer-centric services, fostering innovation, and promoting community development initiatives.
Organized by the Rwandan community in Brighton in collaboration with the National Association of Rwandese Communities in the UK (NARC-UK) and the Rwandan Embassy in the UK, the event featured a retreat and cultural celebration attended by dignitaries and community members alike.
The retreat was attended by Rwanda’s Ambassador to the UK, Johnston Busingye, along with leaders from 14 Rwandan community organizations under NARC-UK.
Reflecting on the retreat’s purpose and outcomes, Ambassador Busingye described it as a crucial platform for unity and progress.
“This retreat was an excellent opportunity to bring together representatives from across the UK. It had been over five years since the last event of this kind. The aim was to reflect on where we’ve come from, where we’re heading, and how we can work together to meet the expectations of the communities we represent,” Busingye said.
He added that discussions focused on key topics such as Rwanda’s development agenda, trade, diaspora remittances, vocational contributions, and fostering unity among Rwandans.
The celebration portion of the event featured cultural showcases, including traditional Rwandan music, dance, and cuisine, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural pride.
Brighton City Mayor Mohammed Asaduzzaman joined as a special guest and lauded the Rwandan community’s efforts.
He viewed the event as a platform to celebrate the richness of Rwandan culture while promoting unity and understanding among the diverse communities in Brighton.
Event organizer Wibabara Ange highlighted the importance of passing down cultural traditions to younger generations.
“What we’re doing is connecting our children with their roots and showing them our beautiful culture, so they can embrace it as their own. We hope to make this an annual event, bringing together Rwandans and friends of Rwanda in Brighton,” she said.
Jabo Butera, Chairperson of NARC-UK, praised the dedication of attendees who traveled from across the UK to participate.
“I deeply appreciate the commitment of Rwandans who set aside their weekend to come together, engage in discussions, and celebrate,” Butera said.
NARC-UK, which has been active for nine years, is gearing up to celebrate its 10th anniversary next year, reflecting on its achievements in uniting and empowering the Rwandan diaspora community in the UK.
The immunity, granted through a gazette notice on October 4, 2024, had earlier been defended by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who cited the foundation’s “significant” contributions to development as the basis for the special status.
However, on Monday morning, the court issued orders suspending the privileges pending the hearing and determination of a case filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), which seeks to have the status declared null and void. The LSK has raised concerns over the legality of granting such privileges to a private entity.
The special status afforded the foundation’s officials immunity and protection while conducting its operations in Kenya. The government’s decision sparked public controversy and raised questions about power and accountability. Typically, such privileges are reserved for diplomatic missions.
While defending the government’s decision earlier this month, Mudavadi insisted that the privileges were granted after careful consideration of the foundation’s philanthropic contributions to Kenya.
“We take the concerns of our citizens seriously. I wish to clarify the rationale behind our decision: diplomatic privileges and immunities are tools, not trophies. They are meant to facilitate the seamless operation of organizations advancing the public good, much like the foundational principles of the Vienna Convention,” Mudavadi stated.
He further explained that the foundation, as a charitable trust addressing poverty, disease, and inequality in over 140 countries globally, qualified under Section 11 of the Privileges and Immunities Act to receive such benefits.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the world’s largest private philanthropic organizations, was founded in 2000 by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his then-wife, Melinda French Gates. Its headquarters are based in Seattle, USA.
This initiative is set to coincide with the upcoming Holy Year celebrations. On December 2, Pope Francis is expected to inaugurate the webcam, which will be installed beneath the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Additionally, another webcam is expected to be positioned at the basilica’s Holy Door for the 2025 Jubilee, a significant event during which pilgrims traveling to Rome can receive indulgences for the forgiveness of sins by passing through the Holy Door.
The Vatican described this initiative as providing “symbolic access” for those unable to make the journey to Rome.
The Holy Year, celebrated once every 25 years, is expected to draw an estimated 32 million pilgrims to the Eternal City. Pope Francis will officially open the Holy Door on Christmas Eve to mark the beginning of the Jubilee.
In a further effort to enhance communication during the Holy Year, the Vatican will also launch a new magazine. A notable feature will include a section where Pope Francis responds to questions from readers. Among the first submissions is a heartfelt query from a grandmother concerned about her grandchildren not being baptized.
St. Peter, one of Jesus Christ’s apostles and the first pope, is believed to have been martyred in Rome around 64–68 AD.
According to Christian tradition, he was crucified upside down and buried near his execution site, now part of the Vatican Necropolis. His tomb is regarded as the spiritual heart of the Catholic Church, with St. Peter’s Basilica symbolizing the apostolic foundation of the papacy.
The INC-5 meeting is scheduled to run from November 25 to December 1, 2024, at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center.
In a statement ahead of the gathering, Rwanda, as co-chair of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, reaffirmed its commitment to championing a comprehensive treaty that addresses the root causes of plastic pollution and emphasizes accountability.
“Rwanda is calling for ambitious, just, and enforceable global rules to end plastic pollution and safeguard the health of people and the planet,” reads the statement in part.
Rwanda seeks a treaty that encompasses the entire lifecycle of plastic, setting global targets to reduce plastic production to sustainable levels, promoting sustainable alternatives, and fostering vibrant circular economies. The country also stresses the need for legally binding commitments, robust monitoring mechanisms, and accountability frameworks to ensure effective implementation and meaningful progress.
Rwanda is advocating for a start-and-strengthen approach, which would allow for increasing ambition over time. The treaty must also protect and empower the most affected communities while ensuring a just transition for waste pickers and informal workers who play vital roles in managing plastic waste.
Additionally, Rwanda is proposing the establishment of a dedicated Multilateral Fund capable of supporting developing countries in meeting their treaty obligations. This would be complemented by mechanisms to attract broad-based financing to address plastic pollution comprehensively.
In the negotiations, Rwanda aims to leverage its 2008 ban on plastics to inspire global action in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability.
“For two decades, Rwanda has demonstrated its commitment to tackling plastic pollution through bold national policies and regional leadership. We are now taking these home-grown innovations to the world,” said Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment.
“At INC-5, we call on the global community to unite behind an ambitious and enforceable treaty that delivers a future free from plastic pollution,” she added.
The ban which prohibits the production, sale, and use of non-biodegradable plastic bags and packaging in Rwanda has had significant positive impacts, including cleaner streets, a boost in tourism, and enhanced environmental protection. Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, has earned recognition as the cleanest city in Africa as a result of these measures.
As the INC-5 negotiations mark the final stage of the treaty development process, Rwanda is urging all stakeholders to seize this historic moment to secure an agreement that safeguards humanity and nature.
The resumption was confirmed in a notice dated November 22, 2024, signed by Francis Kamanzi, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum, and Gas Board (RMB).
This development comes after a three-month suspension, implemented on August 8, 2024, to address concerns about illegal mining and trading.
During this period, the RMB conducted mineral inspections, due diligence, and stock assessments across various mines and exporter premises.
“In view of these actions, the RMB hereby announces the resumption of beryllium exportation. All mineral exporters are strictly required to adhere to the mineral certification and export procedures that have been provided,” stated the notice.
The Board outlined measures to ensure responsible exportation.
“Certification will prioritize inspected stock, followed by new production, in full compliance with the established mineral certification and export procedures. These procedures include, but are not limited to, traceable mineral sources and proof of purchase,” the notice added.
The RMB also warned that non-compliant beryl stock would be confiscated and offenders penalized under Rwanda’s mining laws.
Beryllium, a silver-grey metallic element known for its lightweight properties and high strength, is primarily found in Ngororero District in Rwanda’s Western Province.
Its unique characteristics make it indispensable for manufacturing aircraft components, missiles, satellites, and high-tech electronics due to its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity.
The resumption of beryllium exportation highlights the critical role of Rwanda’s mining sector in the national economy. Alongside other key minerals such as tin, coltan, tungsten, and gold, beryllium significantly contributes to Rwanda’s export earnings.
In the past seven years, the country’s mineral export revenues have shown remarkable growth, rising from $373 million in 2017 to over $1.1 billion in 2023.
At the tender age of ten, he would sit outside his home in Banda village in Nyamasheke District, often wandering along the edge of Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda’s largest national park, renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. The cacophony of bird calls and the soft rustle of primates moving through the undergrowth constantly piqued his curiosity.
During weekends and school holidays, he played with his mates but often paused to admire the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) staff as they ventured into the dense canopy of Nyungwe Forest. They were engaged in conservation activities under the Projet Conservation de la Forêt de Nyungwe (PCFN).
Some of the staff were his neighbours, and Claver Ntoyinkima dreamed of one day joining their ranks.
In the early 1990s, one of his older brothers was recruited to work with WCS, further fueling Claver’s ambition to be part of a team that mitigated threats to the forest and promoted its conservation.
“My brother used to educate the whole family on why we have to conserve the forest. So, I was really interested,” Claver recalls with nostalgia.
As he grew older, his passion for conservation deepened. He got his first opportunity to work in the park while in secondary school, where he assisted researchers and cleaners during school holidays. He also founded and led his school’s environmental club, collaborating with PCFN leaders who often took students into the forest to learn about conservation.
“I worked closely with the PCFN leaders and managers. They would bring their cars to the school, take us to the forest, explain everything, and then bring us back,” he remembers.
After completing secondary school, Claver trained as a teacher and worked as a primary school teacher for one and a half years. However, his passion for conservation led him to transition first to a multilingual receptionist role at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and later, in 2000, to the position of park ranger and tourist guide.
Twenty-four years later, his steadfast commitment to preserving the natural world has earned him international recognition. He was recently selected as the sole global winner of the prestigious Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award for his work on bird and primate conservation in Nyungwe National Park.
The 51-year-old father of four will be honoured on November 27, 2024, in London at a ceremony addressed by Prince William and attended by other category winners from across Africa.
Over the past decade, the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Awards have celebrated African conservation heroes, recognizing the dedication and risks rangers face daily to protect wildlife and fragile ecosystems.
Previous winners include Jealous Mpofu from Zimbabwe (2023), Neddy Mulimo from Zambia (2022), Suleiman Saidu from Nigeria (2021), and Amos Gwema from Zimbabwe (2020). This year, the award celebrates Claver’s contributions to Nyungwe National Park, where he has risen through the ranks to become a Senior Ranger and Guide.
Throughout his career, Claver’s diligence, hard work, and honesty have earned him the respect of colleagues and the community. Some of his notable achievements include habituating colobus monkeys and chimpanzees and launching birdwatching clubs at schools surrounding the park, such as GS Gisakura. Through these clubs, he mentors students to develop a deeper understanding of and commitment to protecting Nyungwe’s ecosystem which includes over 300 bird species.
“Some students from the birdwatching clubs have gone on to become park rangers and guides,” notes Protais Niyigaba, the park manager.
Niyigaba describes Claver as a selfless conservationist whose initiatives have reduced poaching and overdependence on park resources.
“Claver is a naturalist. Born near the park, even his name, Ntoyinkima, reflects his connection to wildlife—it means ‘I’ve luckily found a monkey.’ His work bridges the needs of the community and the park, promoting coexistence,” he says.
Claver has accomplished this through initiatives such as providing goats to local communities in Nyamasheke and promoting goat farming as an alternative to poaching. He also supported the establishment of a cooperative for former poachers, now trained as freelance guides, enabling them to earn livelihoods connected to conservation.
With more than two decades of experience, Claver is known for his expertise, kindness, and mentorship. He collaborates with researchers and shares his extensive knowledge, particularly on bird conservation, contributing to research projects across Rwanda, including those in Volcanoes and Akagera National Parks.
“These initiatives improve livelihoods while protecting nature. Claver doesn’t just do his job for a salary—he goes beyond, creating opportunities for his community,” Niyigaba adds.
Additionally, local communities benefit from government projects funded through tourism revenue-sharing programs, such as constructing classrooms and water infrastructure. These efforts have promoted a sense of ownership and responsibility for conserving the park.
“Now, the communities see the park as a source of support. Some even help control poaching by others who don’t yet understand,” Claver explains.
Claver’s award includes 30,000 pounds (approximately Frw51 million) prize, which he plans to reinvest in community projects.
“There are projects I couldn’t achieve due to limited resources. This award will allow me to take those projects forward and encourage more community involvement in conservation,” he says with optimism.
This is Claver’s first international award and his second overall. In 2007, he received the Rhinoceros Recognition for his conservation efforts.
The Israeli military said its warplanes conducted “intelligence-based strikes on Hezbollah command centers” in Beirut’s southern suburbs, targeting areas including Haret Hreik, Burj Barajneh, and Hadath. Local television station al-Jadeed reported 12 airstrikes within half an hour.
Footage shared on social media showed massive black smoke clouds rising above Beirut’s southern suburbs following Sunday’s strikes, which came after Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned residents on social media to evacuate several buildings in the area.
The strikes followed Saturday’s deadly attack on an eight-story residential building in Beirut’s Basta Fawka neighborhood. While Israeli media reported the strike targeted a prominent Hezbollah official, Lebanese lawmaker and Hezbollah member Amin Sherri denied any military or civilian party figures were in the building.
In response to the airstrikes, Hezbollah announced it had destroyed five Israeli Merkava tanks in southern Lebanon on Sunday, using guided missiles. The group also claimed to have launched attacks on multiple locations in northern Israel, including Kerem ben Zimra and Kfar Blum.
Since Sept. 23, the Israeli army has intensified its air attack on Lebanon in an escalation of conflict with Hezbollah. Israel further initiated a ground operation across its northern border into Lebanon in early October.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry said on Sunday that Israeli airstrikes have killed 3,754 people and injured 15,626 since the conflict began on Oct. 8, 2023.
