At the time, he mentioned that he had informed the former Minister of Sports, Munyangaju Aurore Mimosa, that “such things should not be tolerated because it is clearly known how things are done. Where things work well, there is government support. I love sports, which is why I used to attend matches, but I could not stand such an endless mess.”
Since then, significant changes have been made in Rwanda’s football, leading to notable progress appreciated by football fan base
On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, Kagame joined others in following the match, which Amavubi aimed to win as they were facing Nigeria in a group stage match for Africa Cup of Nations qualification, to be held in Morocco.
The Head of State arrived at the beginning of the second half of the game, with widespread excitement hovering over Amahoro Stadium as Amavubi firmly held to a 0-0 draw.
The national team secured two points from the draw with Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who now have four points from two matches.
The last match President Kagame attended was during CHAN 2016, when Amavubi faced the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rwanda.
This was the first national team match played at this stadium, but it wasn’t the first game held there. Another match President Kagame attended at the venue was between APR FC and Police FC, marking the official opening of Amahoro Stadium in 1999.
From the start, it was clear that Rwanda, under the leadership of coach Frank Spittler, was not intimidated by their opponents. The Amavubi dominated the first five minutes of play, showing composure and determination, though no direct shots were fired at Nigeria’s goal.
Early attempts came from Jojea Kwizera in the 7th minute, narrowly missing the crossbar with a long-range shot. Despite Nigeria’s 61% possession, Rwanda maintained a solid defense, with Bizimana Djihad captaining the team and keeping the players organized.
Ntwari Fiacre’s saves were the highlight of the match. His first came in the 25th minute, following an untimed back pass that almost resulted in a Nigerian goal. His composure and quick reflexes denied Osimhen, a moment that had the crowd on their feet.
Throughout the game, he made a total of eight direct saves, each one more crucial than the last, particularly in the final moments of the match. “Fiacre was an absolute wall today! His saves kept us in the game. We still have hope for AFCON,” said Augustine Muhirwa, a jubilant and passionate fan after the final whistle.
The game was filled with tense moments, especially when a 22nd-minute goal for Nigeria was canceled due to a foul on Manzi Thierry. Rwanda’s defensive players, including Omborenga Fitina, who dominated the right flank, and Niyomugabo Claude, who played a strong game despite a yellow card, contributed to keeping the Super Eagles at bay.
As the second half commenced, a wave of excitement rippled through the stadium as President Paul Kagame arrived. His presence ignited the crowd, with cheers and chants filling the air, and it seemed to inspire the players on the field. Fitina and Kevin Muhire responded with a near-goal, immediately putting pressure on the Nigerian defense.
“It felt like a different game when the President showed up,” shared one enthusiastic spectator. “The energy was electrifying, and you could see the team feeding off it.”
Though Rwanda missed a chance to score in the dying minutes of the first half, the second half was filled with intense action. Fiacre again stole the spotlight, denying Simon Moses a goal with a spectacular one-on-one save in the 57th minute.
Fans held their breath as the clock ticked down, with Nigeria pressing hard for a goal, but Rwanda’s defense, led by Manzi Thierry, remained steadfast. Even with five minutes of added time, Nigeria could not break through. The final whistle blew to the relief and joy of Rwandan supporters, who celebrated their team’s resilience.
“Ntwari Fiacre deserves all the praise today,” said another fan. “Without him, the score line would have been very different. We’re still in this fight for AFCON” said another fan who identified himself as Gasogi.
This result marks another milestone for coach Frank Spittler, who continues to impress since taking over the Rwandan squad. Having lost just one of his first five games, including a victory over South Africa, Spittler has gained the trust of many Rwandans.
With this draw against the Super Eagles, who were AFCON finalists last year, Rwanda’s hopes of qualifying for AFCON remain alive. As the dust settles, Rwanda prepares to take the momentum from this match forward. The next fixture is due on October 7, as Rwanda face Benin with Nigeria against Libya in Group D.
After two games, Nigeria sits top on the group with 4 points, Rwanda is second after a one-all draw in their opening game against Libya on September 4, 2024. Libya and Beninin are third and fourth with one and zero points respectively.
From notable appearances to unexpected surprises, the evening was filled with moments that sparked conversation and left a lasting impression on all who attended. Here are the top five standout moments at the Silver gala
{{The dress code was a striking fusion of cultural creativity and sophisticated elegance:}}
Attendees of the Silver Gala took the theme of the event to heart by blending traditional elements with high-end fashion. The creativity in combining bold, colorful cultural attire with elegant, contemporary designs not only showcased the rich cultural heritage of the participants but also reflected a modern, stylish twist.
This mix was likely encouraged by the gala’s intent to promote cultural pride while maintaining a sense of class and formality suited to the prestigious nature of the event.
{{The event preparation and turnout were exceptional, with flawless execution:}}
The level of attention to detail in organizing the gala was remarkable. From the venue setup, which likely involved intricate lighting, decorations, and seating arrangements, to the punctual and well-structured program, everything went off without a hitch.
The impressive turnout of attendees, many of whom were high-profile figures, contributed to the event’s success. The professionalism in managing both logistics and guest relations speaks to the organizer’s deep experience in handling such grand events, likely ensuring everything ran smoothly.
{{An Arsenal jersey fetched a staggering USD 3500, while a Childish Gambino signed jacket sold for USD 2000:}}
The auction became one of the night’s biggest talking points, with bids skyrocketing for these exclusive items. The Arsenal jersey, likely a rare or signed piece, drew the attention of passionate sports fans willing to bid generously, while the Childish Gambino jacket appealed to music and pop culture enthusiasts.
The high auction prices suggest that the crowd was eager to contribute to the foundation’s cause, and the bidders likely had both personal interest in the items and a desire to support charity, driving the prices up.
{{Runtown made a notable appearance but left guests puzzled as he did not perform:}}
The presence of Runtown, a renowned Nigerian artist, was highly anticipated, and many guests expected him to take the stage. However, despite being seen interacting with attendees, he did not perform, leaving many wondering why.
A possible explanation could be a last-minute issue but its alternatively possible that Runtown was not officially booked to perform but attended the event as a special guest, with some guests incorrectly assuming he was part of the lineup.
{{The Sherrie Silver Foundation’s performance stole the show, leaving the crowd in awe:}}
Sherrie Silver’s foundation, known for its powerful and engaging performances, delivered the most memorable act of the night. The performance likely combined energetic choreography, cultural storytelling, and a strong message of empowerment, which resonated deeply with the audience.
The foundation’s ability to bring such passion and purpose to the stage could be tied to their broader mission of using dance and art to uplift communities, making it more than just entertainment but an inspiring and transformative experience for all who watched.
In a statement, Airtel Africa Foundation said the Fellowship aims to support deserving students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
The scholarship program is designed to support students from 14 African countries, including Rwanda, Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania, DR Congo, Niger, Chad, Congo B, Gabon, Madagascar and Seychelles.
Starting with an outlay of US$500,000, this program will benefit 10 undergraduate students, for their entire course duration of four years.
Founded in 2024 with a vision to foster a prosperous Africa, the Airtel Africa Foundation is dedicated to advancing digital and financial inclusion across the continent along with key focus on education and environmental protection.
“This Fellowship is the maiden initiative undertaken to enhance educational opportunities for meritorious students, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, enrolled at IIT M Zanzibar,” the statement reads in part.
The Foundation said that the recipients of the scholarship will be known as ‘Airtel Africa Fellows’. They will receive 100% of their college fees i.e. US$12,000 as per the course fee structure of the Institute for a 4-year program. Additionally, to cover the living expense cost, US$500 will be given to all eligible students.
According to the management, the initiative aims to transform, shape lives and nurture future leaders who will contribute to technological innovation and economic growth of Africa.
“We are pleased to partner with IIT Madras Zanzibar to provide opportunities for young Africans to access quality education. This initiative aims to contribute towards creating a prosperous and sustainable continent. We look forward to creating even more opportunities not just in education, but also in financial and digital inclusion, and environmental protection,” the Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, Dr. Olusegun Ogunsanya said.
Zanzibar’s Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Lela Mohamed Mussa, lauded the fellowship scheme, saying it will support efforts to increase access to quality education to students from across the continent.
“IITM Zanzibar is charting a wonderful path in technical education in the region. Providing access to this high quality education to students from Tanzania and the rest of the continent, who are topping the IITM Zanzibar screening and test processes, through financial assistance, is an important priority for us. We are thankful to this support from Airtel Africa Foundation, which will enhance our own efforts in this direction,” the minister stated.
The Director of IIT Madras, Prof. V. Kamakoti welcomed the partnership with the Airtel Africa Foundation, saying “We are delighted that Airtel Africa Foundation is joining hands with us in this effort. We look forward to welcoming the second cohort of bright young students to the IITM Zanzibar campus this year. We are immensely grateful to Airtel Africa Foundation for providing financial assistance for these future global leaders.”
Dickson Ndiema, the ex-lover of the deceased Olympian, died at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret on the night of Monday, September 10, 2024, according to local media reports.
Ndiema’s death comes barely a week after Cheptegei died at the same hospital on September 6 due to organ failure.
He had been receiving treatment at the hospital in western Kenya after also suffering burns when he doused Cheptegei with petrol.
Ndiema is reported to have attacked his lover on Sunday, September 1, while she was returning home, allegedly over unresolved land issues. He sustained burns covering more than 30 percent of his body during the attack, while Cheptegei suffered burns over 80 percent of her body.
The tragic incident occurred just weeks after the 33-year-old athlete had competed in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she finished 44th.
The attack was widely condemned, with the family of the Ugandan athlete and notable figures, including the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Anita Among, and Ugandan Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, demanding justice for the Olympian.
The Kenyan government had expressed its commitment to ensuring justice for Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei.
In a statement, Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen described Cheptegei’s death as a tragic loss and condemned the rising cases of gender-based violence.
“This tragedy is a stark reminder that we must do more to combat gender-based violence in our society, which in recent years has reared its ugly head in elite sporting circles,” the minister stated.
“As a government, we remain committed to supporting justice for Rebecca. No one should have to go through such an ordeal. May her soul rest in peace,” he added.
In this context, the hospital has launched the university in line with Ministerial Order No. 001/MINEDUC/2024, dated April 26, 2024, which authorized AHSU to begin operations and granted it legal status. The order specified that AHSU is permitted to offer Master’s degree programs in anesthesiology, emergency medicine, surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics.
Additionally, AHSU will provide courses in the fields of pharmacy, nursing, midwifery, radiography, and laboratory sciences. The university has started by offering the Bachelor of Science in midwifery course initially enrolling 40 learners selected from1423 applications (2.3% acceptance rate for the midwifery program).
This opportunity is highly advantageous for the selected learners, as they will receive full scholarships, accommodation, and stipends during the course of their studies. The selection process prioritized learners who excelled in high school exams, particularly in biology.
However, due to the large number of applicants, additional written exams and interviews were conducted to identify the top 40 learners who reported on 1st September 2024 and commenced their studies the same week.
Learners will spend their first semester taking theoretical and simulation based learning, with subsequent years spent in hospital-based training at hospitals, among them, Kacyiru hospital, Muhima hospital and King Faisal Hospital.
Some of the learners at the university expressed their excitement during the reporting day, affirming that it will help them achieve their goals in the midwifery field.
During an interview with IGIHE, Kevine Kayihoza Ntawuyifasha, one of the selected learners could not hide her excitement at the opportunity.
“Getting this opportunity is a great blessing; I am now determined to work hard and succeed so that I can help expectant mothers in the future. Since childhood, I wanted to pursue a career in midwifery, but I wasn’t sure where I would study.”
Similarly, her colleague, Nina Shania Kamikazi, said, “It’s a blessing to be among the few selected learners from the many who applied. This is an opportunity I must use to build my future, and I believe this place will help me achieve that.”
Kamikazi also revealed that she has always dreamt of working in the medical field, particularly in midwifery, as she considers it a noble profession and a calling.
Dr. Augustin Sendegeya, Chief Medical Officer at King Faisal Hospital, emphasized that the university is expected to address the shortage of trained medical professionals.
He stated, “We were given the responsibility not only to be a hospital but also to contribute to education. With the resources we have and the strong leadership, we saw the need to establish a university that offers various programs related to medical education.”
He added, “The university will increase the number of healthcare workers, not just in quantity but also in the quality of the services they provide. Based on how we have started and the support available, this is an achievable goal.”
Dr. Sendegeya noted that the Master’s degree programs will be offered at Kibungo Hospital in Ngoma District and Kibuye Hospital in Karongi District. This will enhance the capacity of these hospitals, improving the services provided to the community.
AHSU currently operates at the Kacyiru Executive Apartment buildings, located near King Faisal Hospital.
A few weeks before this meeting, starting on February 12, 2023, there were already reports of the movement of troops of the self-proclaimed rebel leader, William Amuri Yakutumba, who was sanctioned by the European Union in December 2022.
He moved his troops from Fizi to North Kivu, saying he wanted to fight the M23 and secure the Congolese-Rwandan border at Kamanyola.
General Ramazani Fundi, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) operational commander in Uvira, had said the army was considering how to facilitate the movement of Yakutumba’s forces to the front.
The active collaboration between the Mai-Mai groups collectively referred to this force as Wazalendo (“Indigenous Patriots”) and the support from FARDC was confirmed by the Minister of Higher and University Education, Muhindo Nzangi Butondo, during a press conference held in Goma on March 6, 2023.
He had specified that the government decision concerning the reserve forces was legalized as the Wazalendo.
“From next week, you will receive missions, will be equipped and will fight under the same supply conditions as the FARDC.”
For Minister Nzangi, this legalization means that the Wazalendo could no longer hide. He insisted: “From now on, you are no longer negative forces. You become reserve forces!”
However today, in Eastern DRC, tensions are rising between Kinshasa and the Wazalendo militias, who are considered to support Congolese army in the fight against the AFC/M23. These groups have express growing frustration with the military authorities.
Despite the discretion of the Congolese authorities, it has been confirmed that between the end of 2023 and April 2024, they supplied large quantities of weapons and ammunition to Mai-Mai groups and other militias on the front line against the AFC/M23.
A document, seen by Africa Intelligence, a renowned media outlet that specializes in political and economic affairs in Africa indicates that nearly 2 million cartridges, 868 rockets, 284 bombs, 300 Kalashnikovs and 15 rocket launchers were delivered. This military support puts President Felix Tshisekedi in a delicate situation, as it could prepare the ground for future conflicts.
Frustration among the Wazalendo has intensified, particularly after a meeting in April 2024 with Tshisekedi. During this meeting, the leaders of the armed groups accused FARDC officers and provincial authorities of diverting part of the promised aid. Additionally, the assistance varies between groups: some receive ammunition, while others only receive food or small amounts of money.
On the ground, these militias, often isolated on the front lines, hope for recognition after the war, such as their integration into the national army. However, Kinshasa has so far only made vague promises, postponing discussions to a post-conflict period. Without concrete compensation, demobilization could become a major issue, and these fighters might take up arms again.
In the absence of coordination with the FARDC and without major offensives against the AFC/M23, the Wazalendo are often left on their own, which increases violence against civilians.
Faced with the rise of banditry in Goma and in the displaced persons’ camps around Goma, the military Commander Peter Cirimwami banned militiamen from moving around the city with their weapons in April 2024, without any progress so far.
RIB spokesperson, Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, stated that these individuals, aged between 20 and 35 years, were apprehended at different times.
The spokesperson said, the individuals used deceptive tactics, including SIM swaps, to steal from their victims. They worked in groups, collaborating with agents from various telecommunications companies who helped them quickly withdraw the stolen funds.
The suspected fraudsters, who referred to themselves as ‘Abameni,’ would first meet at a specific location to plan their day’s criminal activities before spreading out to different areas.
Before their arrest, thorough investigations were conducted to understand their methods, allowing the authorities to capture them all at once. They are now detained at various RIB stations.
They face five charges, including forming or joining a criminal gang, obtaining property through deceit, impersonation, failing to explain the source of their wealth, and money laundering. These crimes carry sentences ranging from two to ten years in prison.
Dr. Murangira said, “In the seven months leading up to July 2024, they had stolen 424,493,991 Rwandan Francs. It is the the victims who reported the crimes. The stolen money was often used for various activities, including buying houses for their parents, which is why some parents were reluctant to cooperate with us in apprehending them.”
In addition to Rusizi, arrests were also made in the districts of Gicumbi, Ruhango, Gasabo, Rubavu, Nyarugenge, Kirehe, and Muhanga.
Dr. Murangira explained that these crimes could be prevented, as scammers often prey on people’s emotions by impersonating officials or representatives from various organizations, luring victims into entering codes under the guise of offering services, only for the victims to lose their money.
He added, “For example, someone might call and say, ‘This is your child’s school, and we’re notifying you that they’ve been in an accident.’ Then they’ll hang up, and another person will call, claiming to be from a hospital, addressing you by name, and asking for money for your child’s treatment. In your panic, without thinking, you send the money, only to realize later that you’ve been scammed.”
Rwanda National Police spokesperson, ACP Boniface Rutikanga, revealed that the thieves impersonated various entities, including government agencies, private sector companies, and religious institutions.
He noted that while some victims were deceived, others contributed to their own losses by attempting to offer bribes for services they should have received for free.
For instance, at driving test centers, thieves would approach individuals who had failed the test, promising to help them retake a special exam. The conmen would then steal the victim’s phone number and send a fake message notifying them of a new test date, after which they would ask for money to provide the service. The victim, realizing too late, would discover that their money had been stolen.
ACP Rutikanga said, “When the victim arrives at the test center, they realize they were scammed. Such individuals won’t admit to being robbed, and even if you call them, they won’t show up because they know they were involved in offering a bribe.”
The Head of Technology at the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), Charles Gahungu stated that their investigations revealed that the thieves were aided by the use of unregistered SIM cards, which allowed them to operate anonymously.
He explained that authorities had identified loopholes exploited by the fraudsters, which led to the ban on registering SIM cards on the street.
“Today, global greenhouse gas emissions disproportionately impact Africa and small island developing states, but no country can afford to be complacent. All over the world, temperatures are rising at unprecedented rates, and the quality of the air we breathe is constantly declining, putting us all at risk,” he remarked.
The theme of this year’s conference is environmental justice. During the five-day event, members are expected to explore how environmental justice can be ensured for all individuals, providing equal access to a healthy and safe environment.
The conference will also provide a platform to examine the right to a healthy environment, protect vulnerable populations, promote sustainable development, and address systemic inequalities in environmental decision-making and resource allocation.
Kagame underscored the necessity of environmental laws in combating current challenges. “Indeed, enacting environmental laws and policies is essential if we want to build a clear and sustainable future. Even more important is having a strong and independent judiciary that enforces the law and puts the needs and interests of our people first.”
He pointed to Rwanda’s journey of judicial reform following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi as an example of how the rule of law can promote peace, security, and development. A key milestone in this process was Rwanda’s ban on plastic bags in 2008, which Kagame noted has had far-reaching benefits.
“One of the most consequential laws the country passed is the ban on plastic bags. The effect has been tremendous. Beyond the cleanliness of our streets and homes, this decision reinforced the importance of managing our resources without too much dependence on external solutions,” he stated.
Kagame also emphasized the importance of conservation efforts, particularly the protection of national parks, which serve as critical habitats for endangered species and a source of livelihood for local communities.
“All over the world, these parks are home to endangered species, who unfortunately continue to be the targets of criminal networks,” Kagame explained.
“For local communities, this rich biodiversity is a primary source of livelihood. Too often, wildlife crimes involve a wide spectrum of cross-border criminal activities that put our national security at risk.”
The president called for stronger cross-border collaboration in law enforcement to combat these threats and emphasized the role of an independent judiciary in upholding environmental justice.
“With independent and experienced judges, there is a lot that can be done to protect our environment and provide justice where it is due.”
President Kagame concluded by urging the delegates to extensively deliberate on the growing challenges of judicial corruption and case backlogs.
“Ultimately, the legitimacy of any justice system rests on the trust that citizens have in it. That is the basis of the courts’ ability to ensure respect for due process and respond swiftly and impartially to any disputes. Without this foundation, we cannot create a fairer and more peaceful world,” he concluded.
President Kagame is the current chairperson of the Commonwealth, an international association of 56 member states. He has held the position for the last two years since Rwanda hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The next meeting will be held in October 2024 in Samoa, the first CHOGM to be held in a Pacific small island developing state (SIDS).
Bralirwa Pic, Rwanda’s leading beverage company which began producing beer in 1959, started the production of Coca-Cola products in partnership with The Coca-Cola Company in 1974 and today continues to engage its customers and consumers through innovations, fascinating events, and award-winning competitions.
The “Dubai Twagye’ challenge which ran from February to June 2024, was set for Bralirwa’s Coca-Cola distributors with an objective of enabling growth, boosting interactions among its consumers & customers as well as driving commitment across the entire ecosystem. The five-month initiative inspired distributors to win and deliver together as one of the strategies to achieve companywide priorities.
In his appreciation remarks, Bralirwa’s Managing Director, Mr. Etienne Saada, highlighted the significant contribution that direct partners continue to make towards achieving the company’s ambitions and success. “As we celebrate the winners today, we are recognizant that it is a cross-functional collaboration combined with dedication and hard work of every member that we are able to attain great achievements,” he said.
Over 40 male and female distributors participated in the Coca-Cola challenge including distributors from Gasabo, Nyarugenge, Nyamasheke, Ngoma, Huye, Rubavu, Kicukiro, Bugesera, and Rulindo representing the diversity within Bralirwa’s distribution network. This inclusive approach motivated distributors to excel and highlighted Bralirwa’s commitment to customer centricity and efforts in celebrating both big and small wins.
The top four winners awarded with all-inclusive 5-day trip to Dubai where they will get a chance to watch Formula One qualifiers and finals. The second category of 4 winners were each awarded a tuk-tuk worth five million Rwandan Francs to support them in their transportation logistics while the third category of 3 winners were awarded a Nyungwe experience for two nights at Kivu Mantis among other activities.
The event was concluded with light moments between the distributors and staff, creating unforgettable moments as the Company continues to customers as one of its key values demonstrate passion for its consumers and customers as one of its key values.
