In a statement, Sudan’s Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC), a governmental body that manages humanitarian work, said the accusations made by U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello were part of an organized campaign targeting the commission’s efforts.
“It would have been more realistic and courageous of him (Perriello) to direct his criticism toward the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, which has been looting, detaining, and obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid, besieging those in need, and denying them access to food and medicine,” the Sudanese government said in the statement dated Saturday, November 9, 2024.
The statement indicated that between January 1 and November 6, the HAC had granted 12,170 movement permits to organizations and agencies, allowed 1,073 trucks to enter through the Adre and Tina crossings, and approved 2,985 entry visas for foreign humanitarian workers.
The statement added that the total funds provided by the government in the form of customs and tax exemptions, transportation of aid, and purchase of supplies exceeded 600 million U.S. dollars.
In a post on social media platform X on Wednesday, Perriello said that the HAC prevented 520 of the 550 humanitarian relief trucks from leaving Port Sudan to deliver life-saving supplies to states across the country.
Sudan has been gripped by conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF since mid-April 2023. According to a report by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project on October 14, the ongoing conflict has claimed more than 24,850 lives. The International Organization for Migration estimates that over 14 million people have been displaced within or outside Sudan as of October 29.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the recovery of all cases marks the beginning of a mandatory 42-day countdown to declare the country Marburg-free.
“The outbreak can only be declared over if no new infections arise 42 days after the last confirmed case tests negative,” WHO said in a statement on Saturday, November 9, 2024.
Rwanda has reported no new confirmed cases since October 30, 2024, but Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana stated that contacts of the last patient, along with those of previously discharged patients, will continue to be monitored until the end of their 21-day observation period.
During this period, the ministry is also expected to leverage the country’s extensive network of nearly 60,000 community health workers to conduct active case finding and test any suspected cases, ensuring that no transmission chain is missed.
WHO Representative in Rwanda, Dr. Brian Chirombo, commended the Rwandan government’s efforts in fighting the outbreak and assured continued collaboration until it is conclusively declared over in the country.
“Thanks to the concerted efforts of all involved, Rwanda is successfully emerging from a highly challenging outbreak, effectively mitigating its potentially devastating impacts. I commend the Government of Rwanda for the significant progress achieved. WHO remains committed to supporting these ongoing collaborative efforts until the outbreak is officially declared over,” Dr. Chirombo stated.
Rwanda announced its first-ever Marburg virus outbreak on September 27, 2024. Since then, a total of 66 cases and 15 deaths have been recorded.
The cases were reported in two hospitals in Kigali and among the family of one of the first cases. WHO and Rwandan authorities attribute the rapid and robust response to zero community transmission.
Recently, the Ministry of Health confirmed that the outbreak originated from a mining cave inhabited by fruit bats. Dr. Nsanzimana confirmed that the virus had jumped from animals to humans, with the 27-year-old index case traced back to a cave where mining activities were ongoing.
“We managed to trace back and find that this outbreak came from a zoonotic origin, and we were also able to find the cave where these particular fruit bats were living, with human activity—particularly mining—taking place. That’s where we found our index case,” Dr. Nsanzimana stated.
This price surpassed the bids of more than a dozen other tea producers from across the region at the 44th East Africa Tea Trade Association (EATTA) auction, marking a significant milestone for Rwandan tea on the international market.
Mombasa, Kenya, is home to the world’s second-largest black tea auction center after Colombo, Sri Lanka. The achievement at this auction emphasizes Rwanda’s growing reputation as a producer of high-quality tea and signals increasing demand for its products.
Rwanda Mountain Tea, known for its commitment to excellence, once again demonstrated the strength of its offerings in this fiercely competitive environment. Kitabi Tea Factory, which operates in the Nyamagabe District in Rwanda’s Southern Province, is a standout within the group.
The factory oversees a vast tea plantation spanning over 1,600 hectares, ensuring high-quality output year after year.
During this auction, Rwanda’s premium BP1 grade was not only the highest bid for its category but was also the top bid across all participating producers for the second consecutive auction.
Additionally, Kitabi Tea Factory secured other top grades: Pekoe Fanning One (PF1) at USD 4.23, Pekoe Dust (PDUST) at USD 4.79, while Mata Tea Factory earned USD 3.41 for the DUST1 grade. This exceptional performance in multiple categories underscores the quality and dedication to standards that Rwanda Mountain Tea maintains across its products.
“Rwandan tea’s success at the most recent auction reinforces the global reputation of our product. Our commitment to producing premium-quality tea is unwavering, and we are proud to see this reflected in the high demand and top prices our products achieved ” said Martin Luther Mawo, Director of Sales and Marketing at Rwanda Mountain Tea Group.
He highlighted that despite a challenging growing season due to prolonged dry conditions, Rwandan tea retained its top position, with its factories achieving leading prices on all four tea grades at the auction.
This success comes at a time when the East African tea market is facing a supply reduction. This year’s Mombasa auction reported a decrease of over 2.4 million packages, with 6.25 million sold in 2024 compared to 8.67 million in 2023.
In terms of regional competition, Kenya, the largest tea producer in East Africa, sold 5.27 million kilograms, Rwanda sold 191,235 kilograms while Uganda sold with 733,846kgs with other countries also making significant contributions. Rwanda’s unmatched premium prices place it as a leader in quality within the auction.
The Tea Market Report for 2023-2024 further highlighted Rwanda’s success in securing an annual average price of USD 3.55 per kilogram, an increase from USD 3.22 the previous year. This average was the highest among East African producers, with Kenya following at USD 2.28.
The outstanding achievements of Rwanda Mountain Tea were further recognized at the recent 6th African Tea Convention and Exhibition in Kigali, where the company won several awards, securing top honors across the main tea grades.
In the 2022/2023 fiscal year, Rwanda exported 39,000 tonnes of processed tea, generating over USD 107.7 million, which contributed to 12% of the country’s agricultural export revenue.
Key markets for Rwandan tea include the United Kingdom, Pakistan, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Ireland, and Russia. With rising global demand and consistent quality, Rwanda is well-positioned to continue expanding its tea exports, strengthening its reputation in the global tea market and providing substantial support to the national economy.
The Federation of Popular Movements (FMP), a coalition of grassroots organizations, has played a central role in fostering this spirit of unity and progress.
It is comprised of smaller groups, including JOC (Young Christian Workers – Male Branch), JOCF (Young Christian Workers – Female Branch), MTCR (Christian Workers’ Movement of Rwanda), and MXR (Xaveri Movement of Rwanda).
These organizations, united by a shared commitment to sustainable development, have pooled their resources and efforts to empower communities across the country.
Over the years, a focus on vocational training, climate and environmental conservation plus modern agricultural practices has led to remarkable progress. Between 2008 and 2024, more than 3,000 individuals were trained in advanced farming and livestock management techniques, with women making up a significant proportion of participants.
Many of these individuals have seen dramatic improvements in their productivity, with some quadrupling their yields. Practical support, such as livestock and agricultural inputs, has further empowered them to implement what they’ve learned, enhancing economic resilience and food security.
In fields like tailoring, mechanics, welding, and hairdressing, over 1,000 participants have gained practical skills that directly translate into income-generating opportunities.
During a training today in Huye district, Innocent Harerimana, the association’s Legal Adviser reflected on these achievements. He highlighted the importance of collective action.
“When people come together and pool their strengths, the results are extraordinary. These achievements are a testament to the power of collaboration and the willingness of individuals to invest in their futures through shared efforts. This spirit of unity is what drives true and lasting development,” he said.
Alongside training, tools and resources were provided to graduates, enabling them to apply their expertise immediately and contribute to their households and communities.
The impact of these efforts is evident in the establishment of 63 active cooperatives, formed by graduates of these initiatives. These cooperatives have not only served as platforms for shared resources but have also nurtured teamwork, financial literacy, and a culture of savings.
Many members now confidently access loans and work collaboratively on projects that enhance development further.
“Our togetherness has fostered more than economic benefits. It has created a sense of shared responsibility and laid a strong foundation for future progress,” said Daphroza Murekatete one of the participants.
As communities continue to celebrate these successes, it is clear that the approach of working together as groups has demonstrated that transformative change is possible when individuals unite towards common goals, proving that the strength of a community lies in its ability to work together.
The appointment followed a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame on Saturday, November 10, 2024.
During the meeting, the Cabinet also made six other appointments to the RBA Board, including the appointment of Viviane Mukakizima as Vice Chairperson. Mukakizima, an experienced civil servant with a strong background in media, has previously worked with various media outlets, including Reuters. She has been working in communications in the Office of the President since 2012.
Others appointed to the Board include Solange Ayanone, Michael Butera Mgasa, Kivu Ruhorahoza, David Toovey, and Anitha D. Umuhire.
In his new role as chair of the Board of RBA, Bimpe will be responsible for guiding RBA’s strategic direction and governance. His appointment coincides with significant changes across various departments within the national broadcaster.
Bimpe has served as CEO of Irembo, a Rwandan software company that develops digital platforms for governments and businesses, since 2022.
Before joining Irembo, Bimpe was the Director of Africa Go-To-Market at Zipline, where he led the company’s expansion across the continent. He also held various leadership roles at Zipline, including in partnerships, operations, and national implementations.
During the Saturday Cabinet meeting, several key figures were also appointed to various positions across key institutions, including the President’s Office, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), and the Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum.
Pierre Damien Habumuremyi, former Prime Minister, was appointed to the Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum as a council member. He was appointed alongside Ambassador Dieudonné Sebashongore, who had served as Rwanda’s envoy to Belgium since 2020, and Ambassador Zaina Nyiramatama, the former Rwandan ambassador to Morocco.
Other appointments included Claudine Uwera, named Senior Strategic Advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister. Uwera had previously served as Minister of State for Economic Planning in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning. Maëva Seka Haguma was appointed Deputy Principal Private Secretary in the President’s Office, and Michelle Umurungi was named Chief Investment Officer at RDB, following her tenure as Deputy Managing Director at Norrsken.
Media reports indicate that Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign is grappling with significant financial challenges after ending its campaign with a debt of about $20 million despite raising over $1 billion.
In a post on X sent out on Sunday morning, Trump appeared to mock his rivals, saying, “I am very surprised that the Democrats, who fought a hard and valiant fight in the 2020 Presidential Election, raising a record amount of money, didn’t have lots of $’s left over.”
Touting the Democrats’ financial struggles, Trump highlighted his campaign’s triumphs through low-cost “earned media,” suggesting that Republicans might want to step in and cover the Democrats’ mounting debts.
“Now they are being squeezed by vendors and others. Whatever we can do to help them during this difficult period, I would strongly recommend we, as a Party and for the sake of desperately needed UNITY, do. We have a lot of money left over in that our biggest asset in the campaign was ‘Earned Media,’ and that doesn’t cost very much. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” he wrote.
Trump’s comments come amid reports that staff and vendors who worked with Harris fear they won’t be paid.
At the centre of the debt claims are allegations that lavish concerts, which featured Jon Bon Jovi, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga, cost a significant amount, pushing the Democrats’ campaign into its current financial constraints.
Harris’ campaign also spent a substantial six-figure sum to build a set for her appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast. Additionally, there are reports that her campaign allocated $1 million to Oprah Winfrey’s production company, Harpo Productions.
Trump, who served as the 45th President of the United States, pulled off a comeback to the White House after winning 312 electoral college votes against Harris’ 226 in the elections held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
The deal was signed in Sochi by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the First Ministerial Conference of the RussiaAfrica Partnership Forum.
Rwanda and Russia established diplomatic relations on October 17, 1963, when Russia was still part of the Soviet Union, just over a year after Rwanda gained independence.
The partnership between Rwanda and Russia is rooted in cooperation in political, military, education, human resource development, training, and cultural ties.
Russia offers scholarships to Rwandan students in various fields and provides training for some officers in the Rwanda National Police.
Over the past 50 years, more than 100 Rwandan students have graduated from Russian universities in fields such as technology, law, international affairs, medicine, and political science.
Speaking on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at a press conference held at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, she concluded a week-long series of high-level events focused on the prevention of genocide and related crimes. These gatherings brought together policy experts, academics, civil society, and activists from around the world.
The events, held from November 4-9, aimed to strengthen global efforts to prevent genocide and related crimes, covering critical topics essential to prevention. They included a workshop for women community leaders, an expert consultation on mediation for prevention, and an international conference on ethnicity and prevention.
Commenting on those who portray Rwanda negatively and distort the events following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Nderitu referred to this as “the power of genocide” and expressed admiration for Rwanda’s extraordinary resilience.
“You know, you are absolutely right when you say that Rwanda was clinically dead after the genocide because nothing was functioning. And I think it’s really one of the wonders of this century, that when you talk about Rwanda in this continent, we are talking about a first among equals, a very strong country that has developed very strong leadership,” she said.
In 1994, Rwanda had basically ceased to exist as a nation. A million people lay dead, out of a population of around seven million, because of a perverted genocidal ideology. Millions more were refugees. Every public institution had been destroyed, and the national treasury was looted.
From wounds of Genocide, Rwanda has emerged as a united nation promoting unity and reconciliation. It has become a role model across Africa and globally for good governance, technology, peacekeeping, and women’s empowerment.
Nderitu noted the international recognition of Rwandans, who now hold significant positions worldwide, and celebrated Rwanda’s resilience as worthy of praise.
“When I hear some of the things that are said, to downplay, for example, the country of Rwanda, I think to myself, this is the power of genocide. That it has such intergenerational power,” she noted.
Nderitu emphasized that genocide execution and denial involves mass mobilization, warning that denial and misinformation are often perpetuated by genocide deniers.
“So we cannot stop the naysayers, but it’s important to understand the reality of where all these naysayers come from because some of them are actually informed by genocide deniers. […] If we fail in prevention, then what happens is that we have to rely on accountability,” noted Nderitu.
Nderitu also expressed concern over genocide fugitives evading justice and residing in UN member states.
“I’ve issued a number of statements calling them out. […] You shouldn’t be protecting them. You should find a way to either try them or bring them home,” she said.
“We want the world to know that whoever is in your country and is a genocidaire or is being indicted for this crime, you need to hold them accountable,” added Nderitu.
Reflecting on criticisms against Rwanda, she noted that “doomsayers” exist when success is evident.
“So it’s important that I do not think that the kind of things that are said about the country will stop. You know in Kiswahili we say that if you see young children throwing stones at a tree, then you should know that that tree has fruits. There is something good about that particular place,” said Nderitu.
“And there are always all these naysayers. So if you imagine how many people are convicted for this crime, how many people are genuinely remorseful, and how many people out there are tarnishing Rwanda’s name, and so many of them being genocide deniers. And we know that because they even hold conferences, they write papers, they peer review each other. We know that. So consistently trying to bring down what Rwanda is doing. But we are there to provide another voice. I can speak with an unbiased voice and say this is what we are seeing from out there,” added Nderitu.
She commended Rwanda for not only surviving the genocide but also for its willingness to share its experience of resilience and recovery.
Professor Gregory Stanton, who developed the “10 Stages of Genocide” framework, praised Rwanda’s homegrown solutions that prevent its dark past from defining its future.
“I praise this country. You in Rwanda are an example to the whole world. Rwanda, like Germany, has actually faced its past and is now a leader in this whole effort to overcome ethnicity, to overcome nationality, to reaffirm that for all of us, we are part of the same human race,” he noted.
Freddy Mutanguha, CEO of the Aegis Trust and Director of the Kigali Genocide Memorial, emphasized that hosting these discussions in Rwanda provides the world an invaluable opportunity to learn and deeply understand the severity of the genocide against the Tutsi.
This update was provided on November 8, 2024, in a weekly report covering the status of the Marburg virus from November 1 to November 8, 2024. The Ministry of Health reported that out of 1,390 tests conducted, no new cases were detected. However, it affirmed that efforts to prevent and combat the virus continue.
In a recent media briefing, the ministry stated that it is focusing on monitoring individuals who have been in contact with infected patients and providing treatment to ensure the virus does not result in further fatalities. This approach has raised optimism about potentially eradicating the virus in Rwanda.
Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana highlighted that efforts include tracking down everyone who had contact with the first confirmed patient, providing swift treatment, and administering vaccines. Rigorous screening protocols are in place at borders, Kigali International Airport, and other checkpoints to prevent the virus’s spread beyond initially affected areas.
“We have vaccinated individuals who had close contact with infected persons to break the chain of transmission. Protecting healthcare workers, especially those treating patients, is critical,” said Dr. Nsanzimana. “We’re ensuring that healthcare providers are well-protected, and vaccination remains the best method to safeguard them and allow them to work without anxiety.”
Dr. Nsanzimana reiterated the goal to prevent any new infections. Nevertheless, the ministry has advised recovered patients to exercise caution and avoid unprotected sexual activity and breastfeeding, as the virus can remain in certain body parts for more than a year, potentially leading to transmission.
On November 4, 2024, Dr. Nsanzimana explained that patients who have recovered are undergoing long-term monitoring, as the virus can persist in some bodily fluids. “Recovery means there’s no virus left in their blood, confirmed by two tests taken 72 hours apart. We advise recovered individuals to avoid unprotected sexual activity until final tests show the virus is entirely cleared.”
“We’re closely monitoring recovered patients to prevent any resurgence, while taking care to avoid stigma. It’s essential not to shun recovered individuals out of fear they might still be contagious,” he added. Those under monitoring may be followed for up to three months, with some cases lasting up to a year, depending on individual medical factors.
“The virus can linger longer in some areas, especially in semen, but tends to disappear more quickly in saliva, urine, and breast milk. We’re conducting regular tests on recovered patients to ensure the virus is fully cleared from these fluids,” he explained.
The monitoring will continue until each individual receives final tests confirming the absence of the virus.
Rwanda announced its first-ever Marburg virus outbreak on September 27, 2024.
As of November 4, 66 people had been infected with the Marburg virus, with 15 deaths, 49 recoveries, and two individuals still under medical care.
Marburg symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Individuals experiencing these symptoms are encouraged to contact health authorities for prompt assistance.
This year’s IFTF, recognized as the world’s largest flower trade event, saw a record number of flower producers, marking a 10% increase from last year with over 150 exhibitors.
Exhibitors came from 13 countries, including Rwanda, each showcasing a variety of flowers and innovative practices aimed at advancing sustainable floriculture.
For Rwanda, IFTF 2024 offered a valuable platform to build connections with international buyers.
Ms. Janet Basiima, Division Manager of Export Markets Development & Innovation at NAEB, commented on Rwanda’s participation early in the expo, saying, “It’s a chance to elevate our industry on a global scale and highlight the quality of Rwandan flowers.”
Mr. Gedion Demissie, Senior Advisor from Bella Flowers, echoed this sentiment, highlighting IFTF as a strategic opportunity to engage with clients from Europe and Asia, strengthening Rwanda’s global position in the flower industry.
Rwanda presented its premium flowers under the Rwanda fresh brand at stand C5.06.
It was represented by Bella Flowers and NAEB.
Rwandan flowers received considerable attention throughout the event, with particular interest on the final day.
The exhibition concluded on November 7, with Rwanda’s stand drawing significant interest from buyers in the Middle East, Russia, and Asia.
A Croatian wholesaler even placed an order for 150,000 Rwandan roses for Valentine’s Day.
Apart from Rwanda’s participation, this year’s IFTF also saw a noteworthy increase in participation from Africa and South America.
Other African nations, such as Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia, also strengthened their presence, underscoring the growing influence of these regions in the global flower market.
Held at Expo Greater Amsterdam (formerly Expo Haarlemmermeer) in Vijfhuizen, Netherlands, the IFTF is known for fostering connections across the flower industry while presenting innovations in flower varieties, sustainable methods, and efficiency-enhancing technologies.
Exhibitors highlighted various environmentally friendly practices, such as water-efficient cultivation and eco-friendly packaging. The event also showcased creative floral presentations that reflect the latest trends in the industry.
Rwanda has now participated in the IFTF for eight consecutive years, marking a steady commitment to expanding its reach in the global flower market.
