According to NISR reports, the DRC remained Rwanda’s second-largest export market, trailing only the United Arab Emirates (UAE) between January and September 2024.
However, Rwanda imports minimal goods from the DRC, which does not feature among the top 10 sources of Rwandan imports.
Key exports included unprocessed foods and livestock, beverages, raw materials, skincare products, cooking oils, and processed foods.
{{Overall export highlights}}
In January 2024, the DRC ranked as the second-largest importer of goods from Rwanda, purchasing products valued at $17.42 million (Frw 23.81 billion). This represented a 21.61% increase compared to December 2023, when exports were valued at $14.32 million (Frw 19.57 billion).
Re-exports to the DRC also saw significant activity, with the country leading this category in January 2024. Goods worth Frw 68.98 billion were re-exported, marking a 6.94% increase from December 2023 (Frw 64.51 billion).
However, February 2024 saw a slight decline in exports of Rwandan-origin goods to the DRC, which dropped by 6.61% to Frw 22.24 billion from Frw 23.81 billion in January.
Re-exports also experienced a decrease of 7.57%, falling to Frw 63.76 billion compared to the previous month.
In the first nine months of 2024, the DRC emerged as the top destination for re-exports through Rwanda, receiving goods valued at Frw 667.36 billion. Other significant re-export markets included Burundi and Ethiopia, which alternated as secondary importers during the period.
Despite strained bilateral relations since 2022, currently under mediation, trade between Rwanda and the DRC has remained robust.
The bales were recovered l in a house located in Gisenyi sector, Kivumu cell in Itangazamakuru village, which was being used as store, when Police searched it on Saturday, November 23.
Two men were arrested at the scene in connection with smuggling and fraud.
The Police spokesperson for the Western region, Superintendent of Police (SP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, said: “Police had information about a group of smugglers, which had sneaked unknown quantities of bales of used clothes into Rwanda from DRC, through a porous border called Kukarundo.”
He added: “Later that day, Police searched the house, which was suspected to be their store, they recovered 62 bales and arrested two people at the scene.
Police is also searching for other seven people said to be members of the same ring and owners of the seized bales of clothes.”
SP Karekezi also warned moto-taxi operators, who facilitate smugglers and drug traffickers.
Early this week, ASOC also impounded a vehicle in Rubavu District, which was transporting 16 bales of smuggled second-hand clothes commonly known as caguwa. Two people were arrested over the same act.
Article 87 of the law on tax procedures provides an imprisonment of between 2 and 5 years, for tax evasion.
Under article 199 of the East African Community Management Act, which is applicable in Rwanda, seized smuggled goods are auctioned.
A vehicle intercepted with smuggled goods is also auctioned and the driver slapped a fine of US$5000.
In the video recorded at Munzenze Prison in Goma, DRC Justice Minister Constant Mutamba is seen inciting inmates to target President Kagame and the Congolese Tutsis, whom he frequently refers to as Rwandans, while calling for violent actions against them and those associated with Rwanda.
“All the prisoners manipulated by Kagame and Rwanda, we will track them down and send them to the Angenga military prison. Know that we will catch them all and we are going to arrest Kagame in person. I warn all those who are in contact with a ‘Rwandan’ or Kagame that they will be taken out of this place and transferred to the Angenga military prison. We refuse that the foreign enemy comes to take our land. Our head of state will not let this country be occupied or governed by the Banyarwanda,” he says in the video.
He is also heard promising to free prisoners who help designate “traitors” and “foreigners” who will then be “arrested and killed.”
“Many among you are innocent but have been mixed here with those who accept being corrupted and manipulated by Rwanda. Know that the enemy of the Congolese people is Kagame… the Rwandans. Know that if you help us in this task, we will free those innocent among you. Come together and denounce them! And if you denounce them, you will receive a reward, and we will release you from this prison. I will personally release you from here,” he adds.
Reacting to the shocking remarks, the Rwandan government spokesperson described them as “extreme provocation” by the minister, stating that the remarks fuel the ongoing conflict involving M23 rebels, government troops, and allied rebel groups.
“Extreme provocation by the DRC Justice Minister at a prison in Goma, a few kilometers from the border with Rwanda. Should we now expect criminals and prisoners in the deadly mix of FDLR, Wazalendo, European mercenaries, and SAMIM fighting for FARDC?” Makolo wrote on X.
Extreme provocation by the DRC justice minister at a prison in Goma, a few kilometers from the border with Rwanda. Should we now expect criminals & prisoners in the deadly mix of FDLR, Wazalendo, european mercenaries and SAMIM fighting for FARDC? https://t.co/eh1irw6noD
The M23 rebels accuse the DRC government of persecuting Congolese Tutsis, leading to tensions in the eastern part of the DRC, near the Rwanda border.
Rwanda has implemented defense mechanisms to protect itself against the FDLR militia, which consists of remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The FDLR has been accused of working with the Congolese government to target Congolese Tutsis in the country, many of whom have sought refuge in Rwanda.
Efforts to address the crisis in the DRC have been made through the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes. However, while the Luanda peace process between the DRC and Rwanda aimed to ease tensions, the Congolese government has faced criticism, particularly from Rwanda, for a lack of commitment to resolutions and agreements to end the conflict.
The country has made significant strides in developing its healthcare system, positioning itself as a regional hub for medical services. This progress is evident, as Rwanda no longer sends large numbers of patients abroad for treatment of serious illnesses.
Speaking during a recent media interview, Dr. Athanase Rukundo, Director of Medical and Public Health Services at the Ministry of Health, shared that in the past, many people did not believe that Rwanda could perform complex medical procedures, such as heart or kidney transplants.
“In the past, no one believed that we could perform heart surgery. People thought the heart couldn’t be touched because anyone who attempted surgery on it would die. But now, these procedures are being done in Rwanda. Likewise, no one knew we could treat cancer here—one of the main reasons patients used to be sent abroad. But now, we offer these treatments in-country,” Dr. Rukundo explained.
With the expansion of modern medical services, Rwanda has become a sought-after destination for many foreigners, particularly from neighboring countries, who seek treatment at local medical facilities known for their quick service delivery.
“We see patients from various regions. Some come from neighboring countries or within the same region because they know our service delivery is fast. Although these services are available, accessing them may require additional effort,” he added.
Statistics show that 4,004 foreigners sought medical services in Rwanda during the second quarter of 2024, with 3,907 coming from the East African region.
“Patients who come here for treatment find it easy to receive care, and they often recommend our services to others,” Dr. Rukundo remarked.
He also highlighted the cost advantages, noting that in some countries, parents spend over $5,000 on medical procedures, even with insurance, while in Rwanda, treatment costs are much lower.
Rwanda now boasts advanced medical equipment, including X-rays, Ultrasound, MRI, CT scans, Endoscopic Ultrasound, Multix Impact E, and more—facilities that were previously unavailable.
This progress aligns with the country’s policy to attract high-level institutions offering education in cutting-edge medical technologies. For example, the University of Rwanda has completed a new five-story building in the Kigali Industrial Zone to house the African Center of Excellence in Medical Device Manufacturing (CEBE).
Additionally, IRCAD Africa is training surgeons in advanced surgical techniques, allowing them to perform complex procedures with the same level of expertise as in leading global centers, such as Texas, USA.
The event, coordinated by OAZIS Health in collaboration with Vet connect, IVSA Rwanda, The Global Antibiotics Resistance Foundation, Kundwa health and AMR Initiative, highlighted the importance of responsible antimicrobial use and stewardship in the context of the One Health approach.
Welcomed by Dr. Jean Bosco Ntivuguruzwa, acting Deputy Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine representing Nyagatare head of campus. He emphasized the University of Rwanda’s commitment to combating AMR by educating future leaders.
“The University of Rwanda is committed to producing future leaders who will drive impactful efforts against antimicrobial resistance. As ambassadors of change, you are called to promote awareness and catalyse meaningful actions within your communities. Your contribution to combat AMR includes raising the awareness in your community regarding the prudent use of antibiotics, respect hygiene practices, and proper waste disposal,” said Ntivuguruzwa.
He added that students hold the potential to be at the forefront of innovative solutions to AMR. He encouraged them to maintain a multidisciplinary team work to improve their creativity, acquire interdisciplinary knowledge, and nourish their passion to develop transformative strategies that will shape a healthier future for all.
Dr. Nadia Uwera, a Veterinary Doctor and Public Health Specialist, addressed the students during the workshop, emphasizing on the unique position of veterinary professionals in controlling AMR.
“As future veterinary professionals, you have the power to use and prescribe antimicrobials, you are at the forefront of the One Health approach, bridging animal and human health. So, use that power responsibly to protect the health of animals, human health, and the environment,” Uwera said.
She also encouraged the students to embrace best practices in antimicrobial stewardship, stressing the need to move away from outdated habits of irresponsible prescription.
“Fostering a culture of accountability and sustainable healthcare practices is essential for combating AMR,” Uwera added, urging the students to become role models in their communities and fields.
In the same spirit, Dr. Emile Ngabo, the Director of Operations at OAZIS Health, also spoke to the students, stressing the collective responsibility of all health professionals in addressing AMR.
“Antimicrobial resistance is not just a medical or veterinary issue; it is a shared challenge that requires a united front,” he said.
Ngabo stressed that the education students in the campus has a pivotal role to play, the student teachers are essential in promoting responsible antimicrobial use while educating and empowering future generations for a radical behavior change.
The week-long initiative included several activities aimed at raising awareness about AMR.
In addition to the workshop at UR, OAZIS Health launched a media campaign, featuring talk shows on various radio and television stations across the country.
These discussions reached a wide audience, emphasizing the importance of responsible antimicrobial use in both human, plants and veterinary health.
The organization also organized an online campaign that engaged thousands of participants from six countries including Rwanda, Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Uganda, reaching over 8,000 people on various online platforms including social media in collaboration with different regional stakeholders.
The campaign was conducted in multiple languages, including English, French, and local languages like Kinyarwanda, and Kiswahili, ensuring that the message about AMR resonated with diverse audiences across Africa.
AMR is a growing global health threat, with the World Health Organization warning that it is one of the top 10 health threats worldwide. In 2019 alone, more than 1.27 million deaths were attributed to drug-resistant infections.
As Rwanda continues to focus on educating the next generation of health professionals, the role of veterinary students in combating AMR is becoming increasingly critical. This year’s World AMR awareness week activities were conducted under the theme “Educate, Advocate, Act Now”
The workshop has strengthened a message that the fight against antimicrobial resistance requires cooperation across sectors and borders, with veterinary, environmental and healthcare professionals working together to ensure responsible use of antimicrobials.
Through initiatives like these, Rwanda is taking significant steps toward a future where AMR is managed effectively, safeguarding both human and animal health for generations to come.
Speaking at a church service on Sunday, November 24, 2024, Gachagua claimed he had warned President Ruto against engaging with the Adani Group over its controversial reputation.
The former deputy president’s remarks came in response to the president’s recent decision to cancel deals proposed by the Adani Group to manage the country’s energy and aviation infrastructure. The cancellations followed the indictment of Adani Group’s chair in the United States on bribery charges.
“The matter with Adani is what led to my fallout with the president,” Gachagua said.
“In the Cabinet, I was the only person who could tell him the truth. All the others were cowards. I told him the issue with Adani is shady, and the people don’t want it. He hated me for it and accused me of opposing government projects.”
Gachagua further alleged that President Ruto’s decision to cancel the Adani deals was not motivated by genuine concern but rather by the indictment of the Indian firm’s founder.
“Even after the president cancelled the deals, there was no need to clap for him because it did not come from his heart. He only acted after that suspect was indicted in the United States,” he added.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced last Wednesday that Gautam Adani and seven associates, including his nephew Sagar Adani, were accused of offering over $250 million in bribes to Indian officials to secure lucrative energy contracts. The contracts were partly funded by international investors, including some from the U.S.
The following day, during his State of the Nation Address in Parliament, President Ruto defended his decision, citing credible evidence provided by relevant agencies. He announced the cancellation of deals worth $2.6 billion, which included leasing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for 30 years and upgrading electricity transmission infrastructure for a similar period.
“In the face of credible evidence of corruption, I will not hesitate to act,” Ruto stated.
The proposal to lease Kenya’s airports had faced significant resistance from activists and airport workers, who accused the government of “auctioning” national assets.
While the aviation deal was under review, the government had already signed a $736 million agreement with the Adani Group to operate electricity transmission lines and substations.
President Ruto and his cabinet had previously defended the deals, arguing that public-private partnerships would help modernize state facilities.
Gachagua was hounded out of office in October over allegations of gross misconduct and undermining both the President and the government.
Among these experts is Prof. Agatha Rockson, a legal scholar and professor from Ghana who also works in the United Kingdom.
Speaking to IGIHE, Prof. Rockson shared that she first visited ILPD in February 2024 while accompanying her law students from Ghana, who were studying Rwanda’s justice system. This visit introduced her to ILPD’s operations, which she greatly admired.
Prof. Rockson, who teaches law to undergraduate and postgraduate students in universities in both the UK and Ghana, stated that she came to ILPD to teach Common Law.
She remarked, “ILPD feels like an African institution. It hosts students from many countries, and teaching here is a blessing. The students themselves share diverse knowledge and experiences from their home countries, enriching the learning process.”
She added that teaching students with backgrounds in Civil Law enhances her own knowledge through discussions comparing the two legal systems, which she finds enriching. She also noted that ILPD leaves a positive and unforgettable impression, one she is eager to share with other legal scholars across Africa.
A major benefit of ILPD is the opportunity it provides students to network with peers from other countries, fostering confidence and creating lasting connections.
This teaching approach, which involves bringing in international experts, is widely appreciated by ILPD students. They see it as an honor and a chance to broaden their horizons.
Dorothy Batamuliza, one of ILPD’s students, told IGIHE that learning from experienced international professors in Common Law gives them confidence to compete on a global stage.
“These opportunities allow us to study law in a comprehensive manner, interacting with top legal professionals, and essentially pave the way for us to work abroad confidently,” she said.
Her sentiments were echoed by Ange Umutoniwase, who noted that beyond teaching, these professors help students establish connections with legal practitioners from distant countries, acting as excellent ambassadors who can provide assistance abroad.
“These professors teaching Common Law often come from the U.S. or Europe. When we meet someone teaching in London, for instance, they guide us on how to navigate such environments if we ever work there, ensuring we can operate without major challenges,” Umutoniwase explained.
Dr. Yves Sezirahiga, Deputy Director in charge of Academics and Research at ILPD, emphasized the institution’s commitment to continuing the recruitment of expert law professors.
“This is part of ILPD’s mission to build a robust and high-quality legal education system, ultimately contributing to a resilient justice system in Rwanda and Africa as a whole,” he said.
His remarks come amid reports of judges facing undue pressure from individuals dissatisfied with legal outcomes who bypass the proper appeals process and instead petition the President.
“If you lose a case, for God’s sake, appeal. Don’t write to the President accusing the judge of all sorts of things,” Mao stated. These comments were made during the release of the annual Justice Law and Order Sector report in Kampala, where Mao emphasized the importance of upholding judicial independence.
Mao criticized the growing trend of people threatening judges with petitions to the President. He cited the case of a judge currently under suspension due to claims of bias.
The situation arose after a Cabinet minister bypassed the legal system and lodged a complaint with the President over a case involving the Muslim Supreme Council.
Mao argued that such actions undermine the integrity of the judiciary and the legal framework, urging the President to redirect these complaints to the courts, where proper channels like the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court exist to address grievances.
The Minister also encouraged judges to stand firm against intimidation, acknowledging that errors are an inherent part of judicial work, as judgments are formed from interpretations of facts and law.
He further urged judges to make decisions promptly, as delays could erode public trust and lead to accusations of bias. “Make a quick decision,” he advised, underscoring the importance of timely justice,” he advised.
The issue has been further complicated by recent controversies involving Justice Faridah Bukirwa. Appointed in an acting capacity by President Museveni, Justice Bukirwa faced backlash after her decision to allow three Muslims to convene a General Assembly for the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC).
UMSC leaders alleged her orders contravened their constitution, sparking high-profile petitions against her, including one from First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga.
However, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) dismissed Kadaga’s petition, stating it lacked merit. After thorough investigations, the JSC concluded the complaint against Justice Bukirwa, which accused her of bias and abuse of authority, was unfounded.
Mao’s remarks underscore the pressing need for judicial independence in Uganda. By addressing these issues head-on, he aims to reinforce public trust in the legal system and ensure that judges can carry out their duties free from external interference.
The agreement, reached under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, unlocked international carbon markets, a milestone that had eluded previous COPs for over a decade.
“We have ended a decade-long wait and unlocked a critical tool for keeping 1.5 degrees in reach,” said COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev. “Climate change is a transnational challenge, and Article 6 will enable transnational solutions.”
With the agreement, carbon markets are poised to drive substantial investment in developing countries, ensuring transparency and environmental integrity. The newly adopted rules will facilitate real, additional, and measurable emission reductions while respecting human rights and promoting sustainable development.
COP29 also achieved a breakthrough agreement to triple public climate finance for developing countries, raising the annual target from USD 100 billion to USD 300 billion by 2035.
Additionally, resolutions were adopted to ensure collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to scale up climate finance for developing nations from public and private sources, targeting USD 1.3 trillion annually by 2035.
Known formally as the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG), it was agreed after two weeks of intensive negotiations and several years of preparatory work, in a process that requires all nations to unanimously agree on every word of the agreement.
“This new finance goal is an insurance policy for humanity, amid worsening climate impacts hitting every country,” said Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change. “But like any insurance policy – it only works if premiums are paid in full, and on time. Promises must be kept, to protect billions of lives.”
“It will keep the clean energy boom growing, helping all countries to share in its huge benefits: more jobs, stronger growth, cheaper and cleaner energy for all.”
The International Energy Agency expects global clean energy investment to exceed USD 2 trillion for the first time in 2024.
UN said the new finance goal at COP29 builds on significant strides forward in global climate action at COP27, which established a historic Loss and Damage Fund, and COP28, which delivered a global agreement to transition away from all fossil fuels in energy systems swiftly and fairly, triple renewable energy, and boost climate resilience.
Stiell also acknowledged that the agreement reached in Baku did not meet all Parties’ expectations, and substantially more work is still needed next year on several crucial issues.
“No country got everything they wanted, and we leave Baku with a mountain of work to do,” said Stiell. “The many other issues we need to progress may not be headlines, but they are lifelines for billions of people. So, this is no time for victory laps; we need to set our sights and redouble our efforts on the road to Belem.”
Ntibitura previously served as the Director General in charge of Internal Security within the National Intelligence and Security Service.
This leadership change follows the resignation of several officials in Karongi District, including the former District Mayor, Mukase Valentine; the Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Affairs, Théophile Niragire; as well as the Chairperson of the District Advisory Council, Donatha Dusingize. They all stepped down, citing personal reasons.
At the time, the Minister of Local Government, Patrice Mugenzi, told RBA that the officials had submitted resignation letters stating that their decisions were personal.
He said, “Based on the letters I reviewed, they resigned voluntarily and indicated that they were unable to fulfill their assigned responsibilities. Therefore, they decided to step aside to allow others to provide better services to the citizens.”
Regarding reports that other staff members from Karongi District had also submitted resignations, Minister Mugenzi clarified that he had not yet received any such letters.
“However, not all staff members in Karongi District have performed well. If the district leadership admits that they have failed to deliver quality services, it implies that some employees have also been unable to execute their duties effectively. Therefore, an ongoing assessment will continue to evaluate how these staff members serve the public,” he added.
