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During his visit on 21st January 2022, Nyusi was received by the Mozambican government officials including the Governor of Cabo Delgado, Mr. Valige Taliabo Atuando; the Administrator of Palma Dictrict, Mr. João Buchil; the Permanent Secretary of Palma Mr. Zefa Alberto, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Bernardino Raphael; Brig Gen Rui Jorge Mandofa, the Task Force Commander in Palma as well as the representatives of Rwanda Security Forces.

He met the Mozambican forces (FADM) and representatives of Rwanda Security Forces in Palma town and Afungi. Nyusi thanked the forces for the good work done in fighting terrorists and urged them to continue intensifying military operations wherever they are.

He praised the joint forces for their level of cooperation and collaboration in fighting the terrorists and urged them to maintain this spirit moving forward in order to completely defeat the terrorists.

Rwanda started the deployment of 1000 troops of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) to Mozambique on 9th July 2021, to fight rebel groups linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

The group sometimes calls themselves al-Shabaab, although they do not have known links with the Somali al-Shabaab.

The situation started worsening in October 2017 when armed extremists linked ISIL launched an insurgency in the Cabo Delgado region of Mozambique.

Since then, Mozambique Defence Armed Forces have been battling the extremists while many civilians were displaced by the fighting.

The joint operations between Rwandan and Mozambican troops yielded big where different regions including Palma, Awasse, Mocímboa Da Praia, Quionga, Tete, Maputo, Nhica Do Rovuma, Quelimane, Chinda and Mumu were seized from rebels.

As at 5th September 2021, Rwandan and Mozambican troops who were joined by the military mission of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) had captured almost all areas of Cabo Delgado Province where the remaining work was predominantly about launching offensives to quell enemy pockets from their hideouts and help displaced citizens to return to their homes.

Rwanda initially sent 1000 troops to Cabo Delgado honoring the request of Mozambique to support efforts to quell terrorist groups.

The troops had increased to nearly 2000 by the end of the year 2021.

With ongoing vaccination efforts in Rwanda and across the world, there is optimism for the situation to normalize.

Before 2020, Rubavu district was considered Rwanda’s tourism and entertainment hub where people from different age brackets would turn up over the weekend for leisure on the shores of Lake Kivu, hydrothermal spring in Nyamyumba among other sceneries.

As the entertainment activities are now put to halt, the area is currently abuzz with whispering birds, the vroom of lawnmowers and water waves.

However, the situation did not discourage investors with optimism that COVID-19 will once be defeated to resume activities without disruptions.

It is against this backdrop that some investors are building hotels among other recreational facilities at the shores of Lake Kivu expected to give boost to tourism activities in Rubavu district once completed.

Some of hospitality establishments under construction in Rubavu town include a three storey building, nearby Kivu Serena Hotel and Rubavu district offices.

The name of the facility has not yet been disclosed but IGIHE has learnt from credible sources that the hotel nearing completion belongs to the family of Pastor Bizimungu, the former President of Rwanda.

Bizimungu led Rwanda from July 1994 until he resigned in 2000. Following his release from jail in 2007, never appeared in the political sphere but dedicated much of his time on businesses.

The project’s model shows that the building belongs to Séraphine Utamuliza, the wife of Pastor Bizimungu but the latter is said the be the focal person following up the project.

Construction activities began in 2018 while the first phase is expected to be completed in March 2022.

IGIHE has learnt that the latter will be among luxurious hospitality establishments in Rubavu district with 80 rooms becoming the first with such capacity in the town.

Located in approximately 200 meters from Lake Kivu shores, the hotel will also have a spacious multipurpose hall and a rooftop swimming pool.

It is said that the hotel’s completion stalled due to COVID-19 related restrictions that occasioned the delay in supply of some construction materials. If everything goes well, the two phases are to be completed this year.

The Mayor of Rubavu district, Ildephonse Kambogo has told IGIHE that such infrastructures developed at the shores of Lake Kivu are meant to lure more tourists to visit the area.

“There are different hotels under construction. We are lucky that Rubavu is a district with high agricultural yields and favorite touristic destination for neighbors and other foreigners. It is especially evidenced over the weekend where people come to the lake’s shores for relaxation,” he said.

Tourism is a main contributor to Rwanda’s economy.

The year 2019 was the best ever for Rwanda’s tourism sector with US$500 million in revenues. In the same year, visitors increased to 1.6 million while tourism contributed 3% to Rwanda’s GDP and created many more jobs.

As COVID-19 emerged in 2020, the tourism was among most hit hard sectors where revenues dropped to about US$121 million while revenues from MICE shrank to US$4 million. However, the year 2021 gives optimism for the situation to return to normal.

From January until November 2021, Rwanda earned US$134 million from tourism, translating into 19% growth compared to last year.

In November 2021, arrivals at the airport also increased by 36% in 2021 compared to last year. MICE also increased by 50% this year.

Restaurants and hotels have not been left behind economic recovery where they also registered 62% and 32% in economic growth respectively.

As a densely populated city abuzz with different economic activities including trade, tourism and transport among others, Kigali needs thorough policies to keep going green despite the steadily growing population.

Technology is believed to be the key enabler to transform waste and water management to reduce threats to human population and the environment.

With its ambitions to design tech-enabled solutions to transform waste and water management, Kigali City participated in the ‘2021 Bloomberg Global Mayor’s Challenge’ aimed at supporting “the most ambitious ideas developed by cities in response to the Covid-19 pandemic”.

Recently, it emerged among 15 cities that won US$1 million and multi-year technical support in the 5th edition of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Mayors Challenge.

It was selected out of a total of 631 cities that had participated in the challenge.

Following the development, IGIHE caught up with the Mayor of Kigali City, Prudence Rubingisa to shed light on pitched project and how the grant will be utilized.

“The project is driven by digital innovation and promising to transforms residents’ livelihoods at a time when they are facing effects of COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

{{Beneficiaries }}

The Rwf1 billion grant will be utilized to implement the city’s project to transform waste and water management, and tackle the threats created by increasingly intense rainfall through purchase of reservoirs for rain water harvesting and efficient collection of waste.

The project will be rolled out in the sectors of Gitega and Kimisagara particularly in the surroundings of Mpazi water drainage channel where residents from risky zones will be resettled to safer places.

These upgraded housing units will be built by Kigali city in partnership with residents whose land is used for formal settlements.

So far, 217 residents have been resettled in Gitega and Kimisagara while more 74 housing units are under construction.

Rubingisa has said that the project will help to collect rain water which will be purified for home consumption.

“They will be subject to new living conditions where they can use large quantities of water than before at relatively cheaper cost,” he said.

“Else, there is another option to collect waste from these homes using technology enabled solutions helping to monitor the level of waste and collect them once dustbins are full,” Rubingisa added.

A total of 1045 residents to benefit from the technology include those relocated from informal settlement known as Bannyahe in Nyarutarama to Busanza.

Apart from the grant, Rubingisa said that the city will receive experts to provide technical support for implementation of the project.

As Rubingisa explained, training residents on using the technology and having it deployed to different places will have been completed in three years.

“It has been also observed that the project provides job opportunities for segments of the population including the youth,” he said.

Citizens’ inclusiveness was among other aspects considered to select winning cities.

Rubingisa revealed that residents, particularly in Gitega and Kimisagara were highly eager to work with the City of Kigali to implement the project.

{{Nduba landfill}}

Nduba landfill was built in 2011 in Gasabo district following the closure of another dumpsite located in Nyanza of Kicukiro district.

It was later established the project’s design did not consider the landfill’s devastating impact on the environment.

Kigali City says that a new solution has been designed address the problem by turning the wastes into energy or fertilizers.

Rubingisa has explained that the project’s study was completed waiting for an investor for implementation phase.

“The feasibility study for the project to turn biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes into energy or fertilizers, has been completed to determine the number of tons or kilograms of wastes collected from our homes. The study was done in consideration of the growing population in the city and projected situation in the next 30 years. We will have enough wastes to produce energy or fertilizers,” he affirmed.

Rubingisa disclosed that the tender to exploit Nduba landfill will be offered in February.

“We expect to have an investor to engage in discussions and sign agreement by the end of February so that the Nduba landfill can be exploited in coming days,” he said.

The City of Kigali also plans to address the issue using dustbins fitted with technologies helping to separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes sending notifications to waste collection companies when they are full.

Royal Balloon Rwanda operates two hot air balloons that can accommodate 4 to 6 guests. The Hot Air Balloon climbs as high as 100m to 1000m above the park’s scenic savanna-covered landscapes inhabited by the big 5 – namely, elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and buffaloes – and other vast species of wildlife.

Commenting on the new tourism experience, Clare Akamanzi, CEO of Rwanda Development Board, said: “We are pleased to partner with Royal Balloon Rwanda to add yet another exciting product to Rwanda’s adventure tourism experiences. We are committed to continue forging new partnerships and enable more investments in the tourism sector to exceed travelers’ expectations while sustainably contributing to conservation.”

Atilla Turkmen, Managing Director, Royal Balloon Rwanda expressed delighted for the partnership with Akagera Management Company and the start the hot air balloon activity in Akagera National Park.

“This is an outstanding example of how conservation can transform the natural habitat and lives of surrounding communities. With our experience in tourism of more than 30 years, we would like to align ourselves with Rwanda’s long-term sustainable tourism strategies. We hope that by introducing this new tourism activity, we will support conservation efforts and contribute to tourism in Rwanda.”

Ladis Ndahiriwe, Park Manager, Akagera National park also underscored that the “Hot air ballooning will give visitors an exciting new perspective of Akagera’s beautiful and unique landscapes while contributing financially to the conservation of the park. New jobs and forms of income are being brought to the community as well.”

Royal Balloon Rwanda is part of a tourism group which has been operating in the industry for more than 30 years. It operates hotels in Turkey and operates hot air balloon activities in several natural parks in Eastern and Southern Africa. Countries have embraced this activity to expand the itinerary of tourists and extend their period of stay.

{{About Royal Balloon Rwanda}}

Royal Balloon Rwanda is the first hot air balloon company in Rwanda operating in Akagera National Park with more than 30 years of experience in the tourism industry. For more information, visit www.royalballoonrw.com

{{About RDB}}

Rwanda Development Board is a government agency responsible for leading the country’s transformation to a dynamic global hub for business, investment, tourism and innovation. Its mission is to fast track economic development in Rwanda by enabling private sector growth. For more information visit www.rdb.rw.

{{About Akagera National Park}}

Akagera National Park is located in Eastern Rwanda. The park hosts Central Africa’s largest protected wetland and is the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted species in Rwanda. Akagera spans 1,122 km2 and has a rich diversity of habitats, including wetlands with forest-fringed lakes and papyrus swamps in the east, rolling Mutumba hills in the west and vast savannah plains in between.

This produces a variety of wildlife with 485 recorded species of birds and, after a series of re-introductions, the Big Five. Plains game roam throughout in good and growing numbers, and some of Akagera’s more elusive species include the swamp-dwelling sitatunga, shoebill stork and roan antelope. For more information visit https://www.africanparks.org/the-parks/akagera/visit-akagera

The program aims to supply clean electricity to 100 million people by 2035. It will raise funds from the public and private sectors for clean energy investment with guidance and coordination from the UAE’s MoFAIC and Office of the Special Envoy for Climate Change.

The ambitious initiative builds on the UAE’s longstanding and deep ties with Africa and will be a focal point of the country’s efforts to contribute towards the global sustainability agenda over the next decade.

Commenting on the initiative, Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said: “United by economic, cultural, political, and people-to-people ties, our two regions are inextricably linked, with enormous potential for further cooperation in the years to come. One of the keys to unlocking that potential, supercharging Africa’s economies, and allowing millions of people to contribute to building a prosperous continent is electricity– specifically, renewable energy.

As the proud host of COP 28 next year, the UAE is committed to partnering with Sub-Saharan African nations to achieve sustainable development and promote the welfare of the larger region by advancing together in the field of renewable energy.”

Crucially, the Etihad 7 initiative will help African nations meet fast-growing energy needs without the corresponding surge in greenhouse gas emissions.

“With Etihad 7, the UAE consolidates its UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 efforts for Africa under a single initiative. In line with the UAE’s foreign policy and development goals, the program facilitates sustainable development by solving key challenges that hinder clean and affordable energy in emerging markets,” Sheikh Shakhboot added.

He further stated that ‘the robust relationship between the UAE and Sub-Saharan Africa is reflected in our partnerships and development projects. Today, the UAE has deeply invested in the prosperity and wellbeing of the entire African continent’.

“We will leverage our existing relationships in Sub-Saharan Africa, including diplomatic, humanitarian, and development cooperation, to share the UAE’s renewable energy expertise to advance economic and human development,” Sheikh Shakhboot stressed.

He also revealed that the UAE already has a number of agreements in place with Sub-Saharan African partners under Etihad 7 to join them in pursuing their clean energy and economic aims.

“Etihad 7 is a truly collaborative program, one that acknowledges and adapts to the needs and requirements of our partner nations…The UAE deeply appreciates the contributions of all African nations in this shared journey of development, and we in the UAE look forward with enthusiasm and optimism to a future in which our countries channel our cooperation into creating new avenues for our peoples to thrive,” Sheikh Shakhboot concluded.

The visit was considered a step further towards normalizing bilateral relations that worsened in 2015, subsequently, halting free movements through the closure of two main borders namely; Nemba and Akanyaru that connect the two neighboring countries.

They are additional to small border points in Nyaruguru, Gisagara and Rusizi districts.

The two main borders were used by cargo cars, public buses, private cars and pedestrians involved in informal cross border trade.

Even though, citizens from both countries have been raising concerns over losses related to the closure of borders for over six years, officials are optimistic that the situation might return to normalcy in the near future.

Speaking to IGIHE recently on 8th January 2022, the Deputy Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Alain Mukuralinda said that having ground for discussions between both countries on issues that resulted into the closure of borders should give hope.

“The future is brighter. Discussions are being held gradually to find solution for issues that ruined relations,” he said.

{{Hope to reopen borders }}

Mukuralinda has attributed the delayed opening of borders to different reasons including ongoing discussions and COVID-19 related challenges.

“We should not forget effects of the pandemic. Borders cannot be opened haphazardly. There are numerous considerations to take into account. They can also be closed due to pandemic related reasons considering efforts expended in adherence to preventive measures on each side not necessarily linked to other issues,” he disclosed.

Mukuralinda expressed optimism that such issues will be fixed in the near future to reopen borders and revive free movements.

“I am confident that the problem will eventually be solved to reopen borders because no country can stand on its own […] It is apparent that both countries’ heads of state are making possible efforts to settle lingering problems to normalize the situation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Spokesperson has stressed that both countries’ people need to abide by existing norms waiting for the reopening of borders.

“They need to be patient. Sometimes, mending political issues and foreign affairs might be attained through a long process compared to citizen’s expectations. It must be thoroughly planned for to provide long-lasting solution,” he said.

Figures from the Ministry of Trade and Industry show that industrial output exported to Burundi dropped by almost 40% between 2014 and 2015.

In 2014, Rwanda’s exports to Burundi were estimated at US$20 million, a number that has reduced to US$12 million.

Rwanda had exported to Burundi goods worth US$21.6 million in 2013.

Else, Rwanda imported agricultural commodities from Burundi including seeds, sardine fishes and traditional cooking oil known as ‘Amamesa’ and exported maize, wheat and cassava flour as well as sweet potatoes and milk.

{{Political will}}

There has been a commendable progress to restore relations since General Évariste Ndayishimiye was elected Burundi’s President in 2020.

Towards the end of August 2020, both countries’ heads of military intelligence met at Nemba One stop border post to discuss issues of security along their common border.

The discussions were held under the auspices of the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM), a regional military framework under the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and was aimed at finding solutions on security incidents along the common border that have strained the relations between the two countries.

The Heads of both the Rwandan and Burundian delegation said the meeting was a good opportunity for exchange on the existing security problems and finding solutions and will contribute to bring trust between the two countries.

In October 2020, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Dr. Vincent Biruta met with his Burundian counterpart Amb. Albert Shingiro and his delegation at at Nemba where they expressed willingness on restoring bilateral ties.

Last year in October 2021, Governors from Rwanda and Burundi held discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation between both countries.

During the same year, Burundi handed over to Rwanda, 11 combatants of the National Liberation Front (FLN) apprehended on its land.

Through the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM), Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) also handed over 19 combatants of RED-Tabara to Burundi. RED-Tabara is an armed group hostile to the Burundian government.

Among others; Premier Edouard Ngirente joined Burundians during celebrations of 59th Independence anniversary in July 2021.

At the time, President Ndayishimiye revealed that the representation of Rwanda during the ceremony induced pride to Burundians and considered it the beginning of a new page for both countries relations.

“I would like to let you know that this day is memorable to Burundians. I am pretty sure that no Burundian is unhappy today because our neighbors from Rwanda have come to stand with us,” he said.

Ndayishimiye told Premier Ngirente that the visit to Burundi impressed Burundians considering tensions that existed between both countries.

“Your coming has impressed Burundians due to tensions that have characterized both countries. I would like to tell you that we have a common saying both in Kirundi and Kinyarwanda […] Agafuni kabagara ubucuti ni akarenge [friendship is reinforced by reciprocal visits]. Today’s visit conveys a meaningful message,” he said.

As he addressed participants of the RPF extended National Executive Committee meeting in May 2021, President Paul Kagame also expressed optimism for normalized relations between Rwanda and Burundi.

“We want to live peacefully with Burundians, and Burundi has also shown the willingness to do so.”

Speaking to IGIHE recently, Mukuralinda said that both leaders willingness is promising for relations to go in right direction.

“The most important thing is to have the issue discussed at different levels including heads of state. The President of Rwanda might be in touch with his counterpart of Burundi as ministers of foreign affairs do the same. This is an addition to the presence of embassies,” he said.

“Citizens should be optimistic about the situation because issues are being discussed to find common ground. Most importantly, both parties tell the truth. Rwandans and Burundians express their concerns and sit together to discuss the way forward,” Mukuralinda added.

Triathlon is an athletic contest consisting of three different events, typically swimming, cycling and long-distance running.

The unveiling of the Triathlon dubbed Ironman 70.3 Rwanda is scheduled on 20th January 2022 at Kivu Serena Hotel ahead of the contest due on 14th August this year in Rubavu District.

Serge Pereira and his wife Cindy Descalzi will also be present at the event.

He is the chairman of Starstone, a construction and real estate company in Congo.

In 2016, Pereira won the tender to build Denis Sassou Nguesso University.

In a statement released via Twitter handle, the carrier has revealed that it will resume Passenger flights to Dubai for passengers originating from Kigali, Entebbe, Douala, Bujumbura, Accra and Lusaka on 20th January 2022.

“Passenger services from the rest of our network to Dubai as final destination remain suspended until further notice,” reads part of the statement.

RwandAir had suspended flights to and from Dubai on 27th December 2021.

The suspects include a domestic worker and a step mother to Akeza.

The child was reported dead over the past weekend. It is suspected that the child fell into a water tank on 14th January 2022.

The Spokesperson of Rwanda Investigation Bureau has told IGIHE that investigation is underway to identify people who might be connected with the death.

“Preliminary investigation has come up with major reasons raising suspicion that two people might be accomplices connected to the child’s death. They include a domestic worker at the child’s home and step mother,” he said.

The suspects are detained at Kanombe RIB Post while the child’s body was taken to Rwanda Forensic Laboratory.

Akeza was studying in Primary 1.