The discussions between the two officials, as reported by Rwanda’s embassy in Saudi Arabia, primarily focused on exploring investment opportunities between Rwanda and Saudi Arabia. The talks also delved into broader aspects of bilateral relations and cooperation.
Diplomatic ties between Rwanda and Saudi Arabia were established in 2018 with the signing of a cooperation agreement. Despite differences in natural resources, the two nations engage in various forms of business, including the trade of oil, a significant resource for Saudi Arabia.
The embassy highlighted the positive relations between Rwanda and Saudi Arabia in fields such as medicine, education, energy, and infrastructure. Moreover, both nations see potential for increased collaboration in technology, finance, tourism, trade, and general investment.
This meeting underscores the commitment of both countries to strengthening their diplomatic ties and exploring new avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation.
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In light of strained relations between Rwanda and the DRC, primarily fueled by insecurity in the eastern part of the DRC, where armed groups, including the M23, clash with the Congolese army, accusations of Rwandan support for the M23 persist. However, the country refutes these allegations and urges the neighbor to solve internal problems without seeking excuses for failure through blame games.
Dr. Awazi, in an interview with IGIHE, underscored the prevailing sense of security felt by the Congolese diaspora in Rwanda.
“I am a free man. If I did not feel at peace, if I did not have the freedom to work, or if I did not feel safe here, [speaking here as a representative of the Congolese community], the over 100,000 Congolese living in Rwanda would not be here,” he explained.
The doctor further stated, “I am a doctor. I would have left here and returned home if it were not for the fact that Rwanda has offered us a favorable business environment, provided us with security, and treats us on an equal footing with its citizens. That’s why we continue to stay here.”
Dr. Awazi expressed the desire for Congolese and Rwandan leaders to engage in negotiations for peace, urging a shift away from the current war rhetoric. Acknowledging political interests, he emphasized the need for dialogue between the two neighboring countries.
Referring to President Tshisekedi’s recent remarks about a potential attack on Rwanda, Dr. Awazi highlighted the potential impact on both Rwandans and Congolese residing in Rwanda. He observed an improvement in diplomatic relations, indicating positive signs for dialogue between the two nations.
“I am optimistic that positive developments are underway as evidenced by the effective functioning of the diplomatic mission of Congo in Rwanda. We observed a temporary withdrawal of some diplomats at one point, but today we witness their return, along with the arrival of others. This indicates a significant shift towards fostering dialogue between the two nations.”
Concluding his statements, Dr. Awazi called on the region’s residents to unite for peace, addressing Burundians, Rwandans, Ugandans, and Congolese as brothers. Emphasizing the role of the diaspora in promoting peace, cohesion, and reconciliation, he stated, “We are an essential tool in the fight against ethnic and tribal divisions, and we strive to teach peace and cooperation.”
The DRC diaspora in Rwanda, numbering over 100,000, actively engages in education, health, and social well-being. Bokanga Kyassa Peter, the executive secretary of the diaspora, commended the outgoing committee’s accomplishments, particularly in education, highlighting teacher and student training, educational support for underprivileged children, and the renovation of damaged schools.
In the social domain, initiatives such as subscribing needy individuals for community-based health insurance and distributing food to families during the Covid-19 pandemic showcase the diaspora’s commitment to social welfare.
The statue, crafted in clay, is situated on the hill known as the ‘Secret of Peace’ in Gihundwe Sector, Rusizi District. It was unveiled on January 7, 2024, commemorating three years since Father Ubald’s passing.
Bishop Sinayobye emphasized that the purpose of gazing upon the statue is to evoke memories of the spiritual connection Father Ubald shared with Jesus Christ. This reflection is intended to inspire gratitude towards God, the creator of Father Ubald.
He stated, “Contemplating his image will serve as a reminder to everyone of the unity they share in Christ, encouraging them to express gratitude to God who created, gave him to us, completed his earthly journey, and called him. It also serves as a reminder to pray for him so that God may embrace him with His right hand.”
The Bishop reminded the faithful that the statue should be treated with reverence, considering it a representation of a person created in the image of God. He declared, “Every human image reflects God, the creator of all things. It is, therefore, forbidden to show disrespect, destroy, or engage in any activities that would diminish its sacredness.”
“It is entirely inappropriate to bow down to this image or engage in any behavior that attributes glory, reserved for God alone, the creator of all things. The statue of Father Ubald is a symbolic reminder for us to remember and pray for him. It does not signify his canonization as a saint.”
Father Ubald gained renown for his healing prayers, with many attributing their recovery to his preachings. Bishop Sinayobye clarified that, despite his miraculous reputation, “He was not the one who saved them. Hence, it is not permissible to approach his image seeking miracles.”
The country’s shipbuilding output climbed 11.8 percent year on year to 42.32 million deadweight tonnes (dwt) in 2023, accounting for 50.2 percent of the world’s total, according to data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
New orders surged 56.4 percent year on year to 71.2 million dwt, taking up 66.6 percent of the world’s total during the period, figures from the ministry showed.
The sector’s holding orders totaled 139.39 million dwt at the end of December, expanding 32 percent year on year. The volume represented 55 percent of the global market share.
MONUSCO’S disengagement will take place in three phases, starting with a complete withdrawal of the military and police components of MONUSCO from the eastern province of South Kivu by April 30, according to a statement issued on Saturday after the joint press conference held by Lutundula and Bintou Keita, UN envoy in the DRC and head of the UN peacekeeping mission.
The second and third phases of the mission’s drawdown provide for withdrawal from North Kivu and Ituri, two provinces plagued by armed conflicts, with elaborated evaluation in between, reads the statement.
“We are fighting for the withdrawal to be effective at the end of December 2024,” said Lutundula.
“After 25 years of presence, MONUSCO will definitely leave the DRC no later than the end of 2024,” according to the statement.
On Dec. 19, 2023, the UN Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopted Resolution 2717, setting out a comprehensive disengagement plan that includes three phases and the gradual handover of responsibility to the government. However, the UNSC has not yet set a final date for the complete withdrawal.
The UN peacekeeping mission has been present in the country since 1999. It is one of the largest and most expensive in the world, with an annual budget of around 1 billion U.S. dollars.
“For the first time, the UNSC adopts a mandate asking MONUSCO to begin its withdrawal from the DRC. This is a historic moment. We will spare no effort with our Congolese partners to bring this process to a successful conclusion. I welcome the desire of the Congolese authorities to make the disengagement of MONUSCO a model of successful transition of a UN peacekeeping operation,” said Keita.
“More than 7.4 million people have been displaced inside and outside Sudan since the fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on April 15, 2023,” OCHA said in its latest update on Sunday.
The number of people displaced in Sudan has increased by about 611,000 over the past month, with many newly displaced from Gezira and other states, it noted.
“The expansion of fighting between the SAF and the RSF into central and eastern Sudan – the country’s crop production regions – has driven a significant increase in humanitarian needs,” OCHA said.
“Insecurity, looting, bureaucratic impediments, poor network and phone connectivity, lack of cash, and limited technical and humanitarian staff are affecting the delivery of aid,” said the UN agency.
It added that the 2024 Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan appeal is only 3.1 percent funded as of Sunday.
Sudan has been witnessing deadly clashes between the SAF and the RSF since April 15, 2023, which have so far led to more than 12,000 people killed, according to earlier OCHA estimates.
Kagame emphasized that the path to development involves choices, actions, and faith. He underscored the convergence of faith, religion, and politics in serving people and nation-building, urging individuals to draw strength from their beliefs in making decisions that are best for them.
The President asserted the principle of equality before God and stressed that Rwandans must determine their nation’s future themselves. Reflecting on past challenges, Kagame highlighted the importance of self-reliance and making independent decisions.
Encouraging leaders to collaborate and make informed choices, Kagame emphasized the values of peace, strength, hard work, and mutual respect. Lambert Bariho, an RFL member, expressed gratitude for Rwanda’s transformation over the past 30 years, citing achievements in maternal and child health, socioeconomic development, security, and disaster response.
Reverend Goodwill Shana, delivering the sermon, emphasized servant leadership and lamented the prevalence of self-promotion in global leadership. Drawing inspiration from the biblical story of King David, Shana highlighted the characteristics of great leaders, focusing on attitude, aptitude, attention, accountability, adaptability, and availability.
Shana called for leaders who prioritize service to humanity, seeking forgiveness and promoting transformation. The RLF, which organizes the annual National Prayer Breakfast, holds monthly fellowships to foster prayer and reflection, aiming to enhance governance across various sectors.
Using a metaphor, Shingiro described the fluctuating relations as “violent rains and sun destroying fields,” expressing hope for a return to “gentle sunshine or good rain.” The border closure has sparked disappointment among citizens rebuilding trust in bilateral relations.
Political party UPRONA highlighted potential negative effects, with expert Pascal Niyonizigiye warning of mistrust near borders. UPRONA urged dialogue, cautioning against negative impacts on ordinary citizens.
Rwanda, surprised by the border closure, sees it as a hindrance to free movement and bilateral trade, violating East African Community principles. The decision followed ‘unfounded accusations’ by Burundi’s president, accusing Rwanda of supporting the RED-TABARA group in the Gatumba attack—allegations Rwanda denies.
Tensions between Rwanda and Burundi date back to the [2015 political crisis.->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-explains-why-burundi-coup-plot-suspects-are-not-deported] Efforts to normalize relations in 2020, marked by Rwanda repatriating fighters to Burundi, now face uncertainty due to the recent border closure. The Rwandan government calls for open dialogue to ease current tensions, reaffirming commitment to regional stability.
In response to the broader implications, the East African Community secretariat urged EAC partner states to resolve disputes amicably, emphasizing good neighborliness and the shared destiny of East African people.
Tanzania’s Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi attended the event in the stadium, and he was joined by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Vice President Philip Mpango, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa and other senior government leaders.
Also in attendance were Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and Burundian Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca.
The ceremony was also attended by heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations, cabinet ministers of the Zanzibar government and the United Republic of Tanzania.
The ceremony featured armed forces parades, special performances, military displays, and a symbolic release of balloons and pigeons by individuals born on Jan. 12, accompanied by a special song marking the 60th anniversary of the Zanzibar revolution.
As he addressed participants, President Paul Kagame praised Tanzania’s impressive path to peace and unity.
Kagame acknowledged Zanzibar’s commitment to the spirit of the revolution and its progress in realizing the aspirations of its founders. Reflecting on the historic day, he commemorated the individuals who fought against injustice and highlighted the successful union between Zanzibar and Tanganyika that formed Tanzania.
Emphasizing the collective strength of Africans to address challenges and seize opportunities, Kagame praised the accomplishments of Zanzibar and Tanzania as a source of pride for the East African region. He drew parallels with Rwanda’s refusal to let a tragic past define its identity, stressing the potential of unity.
Furthermore, Kagame extended congratulations to Tanzania’s leadership for maintaining peace, emphasizing that their success is evidence of the ability of African nations to unite.
The climax of the celebrations followed almost a month of activities that included the opening and laying of foundation stones for various social and economic projects by the leaders.
