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On January 17th, President Kagame is expected to engage in a discussion on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) with other leaders. The conversation seeks to explore the progress made towards the functioning of AfCFTA and its future prospects.
President Kagame will also meet with prominent leaders, including the Head of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, the President of Colombia, and Bill Gates for discussions focusing on fostering North-South cooperation to find solutions to global challenges.
The annual meeting, in its 54th iteration, convenes over 2000 world leaders and experts under the theme “Rebuilding Trust.”
The event prioritizes four key areas: achieving security and cooperation in a fractured world, creating growth and jobs for a new era, harnessing artificial intelligence as a driving force for the economy and society, and formulating a long-term strategy for climate, nature, and energy.
Nearly two weeks earlier, President Evariste Ndayishimiye had accused Rwanda of supporting the Red Tabara armed group, only to later state that no anti-Burundi government factions were collaborating with them.
Traditionally, the Congolese populace utilized the Ruhwa border, connecting Rwanda and Burundi at the Rusizi region, for travel to Uvira and Bukavu, Bujumbura, or vice versa.
The Mapasa company, responsible for transporting passengers between Bujumbura and Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), also relied on the Ruhwa border due to the poor condition of the road from South Kivu to Burundi.
Reports from some newspapers in the DRC suggested that Governor Théo Ngwabidje Kasi of South Kivu is contemplating the renovation of the Bukavu-Ngomo-Uvira road to address the disruption caused by its passage through Rwanda or Burundi.
On January 15, 2024, Governor Kasi, along with investors and contractors, visited the road to assess its condition and determine the necessary steps for the proposed renovation. With the Ruhwa border closed, the only available route for Congolese and Burundians to travel to or from South Kivu is the Kavimvira road, linking Burundi with the DRC.
The statement released by RDF identified the two soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as Sgt Asman Mupenda Termite, 30, and Cpl Anyasaka Nkoi Lucien, 28. The arrests occurred in the night leading to Tuesday 16th January 2024, around 1:10 a.m.
“This morning at 01:10hrs, three armed soldiers of the Democratic Republic of Congo armed forces (FARDC) crossed the border from the DRC into Rwanda at Rubavu District [in Rubavu Sector/Rukoko Cell/Isangano Village],” reads part of the statement.
RDF reported that the two soldiers were apprehended by RDF patrols supported by the local neighborhood watch (Irondo).
“The FARDC soldiers had in their possession one AK-47 gun, four magazines with 105 rounds, one protective vest, and cannabis sachets. The third soldier was shot dead when he fired at the patrols,” adds the statement.
Rwanda’s military clarified that no one on the Rwandan side was injured, and further investigations are underway.
Residents in the area where the incident occurred mentioned that the dead soldier was fired upon in Gafuku Village, Gikombe Cell of Rubavu Sector.
Meanwhile, his colleagues were respectively arrested in Isangano Village of Rukoko Cell and Rurembo Village of Byahi Cell in Rubavu Sector. They had crossed the border and were near Byahi Health Center on the road.
This is not the first instance of Congolese soldiers violating Rwandan territory. In March last year, another soldier was shot after crossing the main border in Rubavu.
Despite occasional tensions, Rwanda has played a crucial role in supporting its neighbor, Burundi, during critical times. Here are five pivotal moments highlighting Rwanda’s assistance to Burundi.
{{Debt settlement in the East African Community }}
In December 2008, despite being in the early stages of development, Rwanda, moved by a sense of fraternity, paid off Burundi’s outstanding contribution of 1 million dollars to the East African Community (EAC). This act not only showcased Rwanda’s benevolence but also prevented Burundi from facing disruptions in EAC activities, given its challenges in meeting financial obligations due to an unstable economy.
{{Bujumbura Market Fire}}
In January 2013, a devastating fire engulfed the main market of Bujumbura, Burundi. As Burundian police’s efforts proved futile, the Rwandan army swiftly dispatched two helicopters to help contain the blaze. The market, housing assets worth billions of Burundian francs, suffered severe damage. Rwanda’s prompt response demonstrated its commitment to supporting Burundi during emergencies.
{{Rescue Operation in the Central African Republic}}
On December 25, 2020, Burundian troops in the Central African Republic (CAR) faced an attack by an armed group. The Rwandan special forces, located 70 kilometers away, played a pivotal role in rescuing besieged Burundian soldiers. Despite the challenges, the Rwandan army successfully neutralized the threat, retrieving captured military assets and returning the bodies of fallen soldiers to Burundi.
{{Arrest and Handover of RED Tabara Fighters}}
In September 2020, the armed group RED Tabara engaged in a fierce battle with the Burundian army. Fleeing to Nyungwe Park in Ruheru, Rwandan soldiers apprehended 19 RED Tabara fighters along with weapons and ammunition. In an act of cooperation, Rwanda handed over the captured fighters to Burundi in July 2021, showcasing a commitment to regional stability.
{{Warning of Coup Plot}}
In September 2022, President Ndayishimiye of Burundi faced an attempted overthrow, leading to the removal and imprisonment of General Alain-Guillaume Bunyoni, the former Prime Minister.
Amidst complex geopolitical dynamics, Bunyoni claimed that Rwanda had access to his phone, providing information to Burundi. While neither country confirmed nor denied these allegations, the situation highlighted the delicate nature of regional relationships.
As a result, vehicles were unable to continue their journeys, prompting passengers to transfer to vehicles on the other side by crossing on foot.
Mayor Ange Sebutege of Huye District reported the incident to relevant security agencies, who are now collaborating with authorities to provide instructions for alternative routes.
The road, crucial for Kigali-Nyamagabe-Rusizi trips through Kitabi and reaching Nyungwe National Park, is a significant disruption for travelers. Rwanda National Police confirmed the impassability of the Huye-Nyamagabe road and advised road users to bear with the inconveniences while the situation is being addressed.
The Rwanda Meteorology Agency had earlier warned of above-normal rainfall in the south-western parts of the country until January 20, raising concerns about flooding, soil erosion, and landslides.
The affected areas include Karongi, Nyamasheke, Rusizi, Nyamagabe, Nyaruguru, Huye, Gisagara, Nyanza Districts, and southern parts of Ruhango, Bugesera, Ngoma, and Kirehe Districts.
Authorities are urging preparedness and mitigation measures to minimize the impact of expected rains.
This move is seen as a response to Kenya’s refusal to allow Tanzania’s airline, Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), to operate cargo flights between Nairobi and third countries.
The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) cited this rejection as a violation of the 2016 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Air Services, specifically Section 4, which outlines reciprocal treatment for airlines.
TCAA Director General Hamza S. Johari stated that the decision is based on the principle of reciprocity, emphasizing Tanzania’s commitment to international aviation regulations and bilateral agreements.
This suspension follows a brief ban on Kenya Airways flights by Tanzania in August 2020 after Tanzanians were excluded from Kenya’s list of countries exempt from Covid-19 quarantine restrictions.
In particular, the United Nations plans to attract 3.1 billion dollars from donors to provide humanitarian aid to 8.5 million people in Ukraine, the ministry said in a statement.
The world body also targets to raise 1.1 billion dollars to support about 2.3 million Ukrainian refugees, who were forced to flee the country due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the statement said.
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said Kiev pins high hopes on the UN humanitarian plan to assist Ukrainians affected by the conflict.
“We must continue to support our internally displaced people and our people who have gone abroad fleeing the war,” Vereshchuk said.
The United Nations estimated that about 6.3 million people have fled Ukraine since February 2022.
About 4.9 million people have been displaced within the country, according to Ukrainian authorities.
More than half of chief economists said in their outlook for this year, released during the 54th Annual WEF meeting, that they expect the global economy to weaken in 2024. Meanwhile, seven in 10 said the pace of geoeconomic fragmentation will accelerate.
“Uncertainty is the key word for most economies around the world, including China. The positive is that China is one of the very few large economies in the world that is not struggling with inflation, that is not struggling with very high interest rates at present,” said Saadia Zahidi, managing director of the WEF.
In the face of escalating global division and uncertainty, the 54th WEF Annual Meeting has assembled leaders from around the world for a week of dialogue aimed at enhancing cooperation and cultivating partnerships.
Under the theme “Rebuilding Trust,” the meeting will focus on four priorities: achieving security and cooperation in a fractured world; creating growth and jobs for a new era; harnessing artificial intelligence as a driving force for the economy and society, and formulating a long-term strategy for climate, nature, and energy.
Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the WEF, underlined the urgency of rebuilding trust in a fragmented world with growing social divides. He emphasized the need to move beyond crisis management and address root causes.
The forum will showcase the latest proposals on global security, trade, economic growth, jobs, climate and nature action, energy transition, technological disruption, and health and well-being.
WEF President Borge Brende highlighted the necessity of innovative public-private collaboration, saying that “the Forum provides the structure for developing research, alliances, and frameworks that promote … cooperation throughout the year.” The annual meeting will serve to deepen connections between leaders, he added.
Faki said while the effect of the Russia-Ukraine crisis is constantly growing, the Israeli- Palestinian conflict is continuing with indescribable intensity, causing humanitarian tragedies and destruction of properties.
“African conscience is shaken by the tragedy that has occurred due to the conflict and I reiterate once again our call for humanitarian ceasefire and engagement of the international community to materialize the two-state solution to end the conflict there,” he said.
Noting the continuing shelling of Palestinian civilians and destruction of their means of existence, Faki recalled that the conflict has been of great concern for Africa for over 60 years.
He noted that a lasting solution is required to ensure the co-existence of both nations to allow their peoples live in a state of peace and stability.
Africa is not free from conflict either, said the chairperson, noting the unfolding security problems in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other parts of the continent, affecting peace, stability and development of the continent.
He said the African Union needs to go a long way to achieve the general objective of the union, namely peace, the integration and development of Africa.
The PRC session is held under the theme “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.”
It will be followed by the 44th ordinary session of the Executive Council and the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU, starting from mid-February.
The suspect, who was enroute to Muhanga District, was intercepted midway in Ngororero District, Ngororero sector in Rususa cell, Rususa village.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Karekezi Twizere Bonaventure, the Police spokesperson for Western region, said that the suspect was being transported by a taxi-moto operator, who fled during the operation.
“Police received a phone call from a resident about a suspected drug dealer traveling from Busasamana sector in Rubavu district heading to Muhanga District,” said SP Karekezi.
He added: “A checkpoint was mounted in Rususa village, Ngororero District where a taxi-moto operator and the passenger, who had the narcotics were intercepted at about 6p.m, with a consignment of 5000 rolls of cannabis, although the moto rider managed to flee.”
The suspect had sneaked the narcotics into Rwanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), through a porous border point.
Reports indicate that the same suspect has been frequenting Goma in DRC, where he get the narcotics and supplies others dealers especially in Muhanga and Kigali.
His arrest came less than a mother after another drug dealer was arrested in Rusizi District with 108kgs and 500 pellets of cannabis.
In November, last year, a woman and her son were also arrested in Rwamagana District, Mwulire sector with 105kgs of cannabis.
Cannabis is classified as a severe narcotic drug in Rwanda.
Trafficking and distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is punishable under article 263 of the law determining offences and penalties in general.
It partly states that, any person, who unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, the offender is liable to an imprisonment of between 20 year and life, and a fine of between Rwf20 million and Rwf30 million, in regard to severe narcotic drugs.
