During the rally, Tshisekedi asserted that the Congolese Army has the capability to shell Kigali while stationed in Goma, just kilometers away from the ongoing conflict with the M23 rebel group.
He assured Kinshasa residents that they need not fear, as the Congolese Army possesses the potential to disrupt President Paul Kagame’s peace.
Tshisekedi warned that upon the first sign of aggression towards Goma, he would convene parliamentarians to seek approval for a military intervention in Rwanda.
These statements echo previous claims by Tshisekedi and other Congolese officials, accusing Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, allegations vehemently denied by Rwanda.
Despite campaign pledges starting on November 19, 2023, where Tshisekedi accused Rwanda of invading and causing suffering in eastern DRC, Rwanda has maintained its commitment to addressing instability in the region without succumbing to provocations.
Tshisekedi’s rhetoric escalated when he compared President Kagame to Adolf Hitler, expressing a desire for a similar end to the dictator.
Despite DRC’s provocative statements, Rwanda remains steadfast, emphasizing its readiness to contribute to resolving instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The statement released by RDF reads that four soldiers with the rank of Brigadier General have been promoted to Major General while 17 have been elevated from the rank of Colonel to Brigadier General.
Among others, 83 have been promoted from the rank of Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel, 98 from Major to Lieutenant Colonel, 295 from Captain to Major while four have been promoted from Lieutenant to Captain.
The statement also indicates that 226 non-commissioned officers have been promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant.
Situated in Gasabo District and spanning 300,000 square meters, the state-of-the-art facility is hailed as one of the most advanced in the world. President Kagame commended the project, emphasizing its potential to democratize vaccine technology. He expressed pride in the facility’s diverse African workforce, highlighting its capability to produce vaccines of equivalent quality to those produced elsewhere.
President Kagame acknowledged the challenges of vaccine inequity faced by Africa during the pandemic and emphasized the collective commitment of Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, and Ghana to spearhead vaccine manufacturing on the continent. BioNTech aims to produce mRNA-based vaccines, including potential solutions for diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria.
The President extended gratitude to various partners, including the European Commission, the World Health Organization (WHO), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), for their pivotal roles in supporting Rwanda’s pharmaceutical initiatives.
He announced a new phase of collaboration with the IFC to ensure sustained investment in Rwanda’s pharmaceutical ecosystem.
President Kagame underscored the importance of trust and cooperation in achieving the milestone, praising the swift mobilization of global support. He cited the presence of Barbados Prime Minister Mia Motley as an example of broader collaboration, emphasizing the need for deeper cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean.
The facility’s launch coincides with the initiative to increase Africa’s vaccine self-sufficiency, with the goal of producing 60 times more vaccine doses on the continent by 2040. President Kagame’s remarks showcased a shared commitment to global health equity and resilience in the face of future challenges.
During the inauguration event, Ugur Sahin, BioNTech’s co-founder and CEO, outlined the company’s plans for the newly launched facility. He stated that construction will be completed by 2024, with local personnel training commencing, and mRNA validation testing initiated in 2025.
Initially, the facility will be equipped with two BioNTainers, one dedicated to mRNA production and the other for the formulated bulk drug product. These BioNTainers are designed to manufacture various mRNA-based vaccines tailored to the needs of African Union member states. Potential vaccines include the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine, as well as investigational malaria and tuberculosis vaccines, pending regulatory approval.
Sahin emphasized the facility’s advanced capabilities, with BioNTainers capable of producing over 50 million doses annually for public supply or pandemic response, or alternatively, 10,000 doses for clinical trials. While acknowledging the work ahead, Sahin outlined the goal to operate the facility on global standards.
The quantity of BioNTech’s production will vary based on the mRNA product’s characteristics, such as dose size and composition. The company aims to bridge the accessibility gap for medicines and make them more affordable, as highlighted by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Motley.
Ursula Von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, underscored the challenges in global vaccine production capacities and emphasized the collaborative effort between Africa and Europe to bring both vaccines and mRNA technology to the continent.
The event was attended by other leaders, including Presidents Macky Sall of Senegal and Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana. BioNTech also revealed plans to conduct clinical trials in Africa for malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV vaccines in 2024, aiming to provide these vaccines to lower-income countries at a not-for-profit price upon regulatory approval.
The APTF is a pan-African agency with the primary objective of promoting technological advancement within the medical ecosystem across the continent.
Established and approved by the African Development Bank (AfDB) Board of Directors in June 2022, the institution emerged in response to the collective request from African Union member states. It serves as a dedicated entity to enhance Africa’s access to technology for the comprehensive manufacturing of pharmaceutical products.
The genesis of the foundation can be traced back to the challenges faced by African countries in accessing vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to address this issue, the APTF was conceived, recognizing the critical need for technological solutions in the medical field.
According to data provided by the AfDB, Africa currently relies on imports for over 70 percent of its required medications, incurring an annual cost of up to $14 billion. Surprisingly, the continent manufactures only one percent of the necessary vaccines. The APTF aims to significantly bridge this gap, fostering self-sufficiency and technological empowerment in pharmaceutical production across Africa.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs of Rwanda, Dr. Vincent Biruta, highlighted the significance of the agreement and emphasized the cooperative effort to advance pharmaceutical technology in Africa and improve healthcare on the continent.
Dr. Biruta stated, “This agreement is a sign of cooperation, innovation, and technological development in medicine for the benefit of our people and the entire continent.”
Furthermore, Dr. Biruta underscored the broader implications of the collaboration, stating, “It is a sign and shows the will to produce knowledge and technology that promotes innovation and research, knowledge sharing.” He also acknowledged the pivotal role of technology in enhancing healthcare in Rwanda and Africa at large.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), provided insights into the establishment of the APTF, emphasizing its role in supporting the African pharmaceutical industry.
He remarked, “This center will help the pharmaceutical industry to access and share technology and engage in dialogue with intellectual property rights holders in the pharmaceutical industry to develop the pharmaceutical industry in Africa.”
In addition to the AfDB’s commitment, Dr. Bärbel Kofler, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development in Germany, expressed the country’s dedication to collaboration with Rwanda and Africa in the production of medicines and vaccines.
Dr. Kofler stated, “The cooperation between the German Government and APTF is based on our shared values, to ensure that the people of the African continent have a better life.”
Among others, the Minister of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the importance of distributing such critical infrastructure across various African countries, particularly mentioning the opening of BionTech Africa, the first vaccine manufacturer in Rwanda, dedicated to combating Malaria and Tuberculosis.
Dr. Biruta stressed the need for capacity building and noted that APTF should play a pivotal role in this regard.
The signing of a cooperation agreement between APTF and the European Investment Bank was also highlighted, indicating the bank’s commitment to providing technical assistance and facilitating funding for innovative healthcare initiatives. This collaborative effort aligns with the shared goal of enhancing health services and medication availability in Africa.
In a meeting between President Kagame and Adesina in September 2023, discussions centered on AfDB’s assistance in developing the pharmaceutical sector in Africa through the establishment of APTF’s headquarters in Rwanda. This meeting emphasized the ongoing commitment to cooperation and development in the pharmaceutical field.
Having lived in Cabo Delgado for a year, Jacqueline, a Burundian woman, and her fellow entrepreneurs sustained themselves by offering essential services in the post-war scenario. She emphasized the improved security in Palma since her arrival and expressed her intention to leave once Rwandan security forces depart, citing concerns about her safety.
Kwifera Claudine, another woman residing in Mozambique for five years, shared positive experiences about her business in Palma, which she initiated in November 2022.
Aside from Burundians engaged in business in the city, there are Rwandans undertaking diverse businesses, particularly wholesaling. Many foreign traders, including Indians, also contribute to the economic landscape.
Residents, such as a 63-year-old man, conveyed gratitude for the Rwandan intervention, attributing their newfound peace and prosperity to the assistance provided.
The narrative continued with a man’s account of reuniting with his wife after fleeing during the conflict. He highlighted the positive changes in their lives and acknowledged the role played by the Rwandan Security Forces in ensuring their safety.
Abdallah Ali, a food trader, credited the Rwandan soldiers for restoring security, enabling business operations to flourish. He expressed a sense of security in Palma and emphasized the resumption of daily activities without fear.
Ismail Lichemba praised the collaboration between Rwanda and Mozambique but lamented the abduction of his child, expressing hope for their reunion. He called for continued support from the Rwandans.
Overall, the residents of Cabo Delgado credited Rwanda’s Security Forces for instilling hope and optimism for the future, marking a significant shift from the despair that once enveloped their lives. Some have ventured into entrepreneurship, while others remain hopeful about the promising prospects ahead.
The Presidential Decree, issued on December 11, 2023, stipulates that the elections for the President of the Republic and Members of Parliament will take place on July 15, 2024, with voting for Rwandans residing outside the country scheduled for July 14. The decision to consolidate these elections was driven by the aim to mitigate the substantial costs associated with conducting them individually.
Charles Munyaneza, the Executive Secretary of NEC, revealed during an interview on December 17, 2023, that direct elections involving the entire citizenry had previously surpassed Rwf7 billion in expenses. Munyaneza emphasized that holding separate elections in consecutive years resulted in higher costs, citing the example of the direct presidential election exceeding Rwf7 billion.
He explained that combining the elections for President and Deputies would result in a budget just over half of what would be incurred if the elections were held in separate years. Munyaneza projected a cost of Rwf7.2 billion for Deputies if held in one year and a similar amount for the presidential election the following year, totaling Rwf14 billion. However, the combined elections are estimated to cost Rwf8.1 billion, leading to potential savings of up to Rwf5 billion for the country.
Munyaneza clarified that the budget does not account for foreign aid and highlighted that the funds saved could be utilized in other areas of national development. He pointed out that the consolidation would streamline various aspects such as voting materials, civic education, and campaigning, thereby reducing overall expenditures.
To ensure the efficiency of the electoral process, NEC plans to increase the number of volunteers to 70,000. Munyaneza shared that based on the latest electoral roll figures, approximately 8.7 million Rwandans are expected to vote, with over 7 million eligible for candidacy.
The campaign period for the presidential and parliamentary elections is set to commence on June 22, 2024, and conclude on July 12, 2024, for those outside Rwanda and on July 13 within the country.
The upcoming elections mark the fourth time Rwanda has held presidential elections since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The last presidential elections occurred on August 3 and 4, 2017, while parliamentary elections took place on September 2 and 3, 2018.
Dusengiyumva, the former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Local Government, secured 532 out of 638 votes cast in the poll held on Friday, December 15, at the City Hall. His contender for the position was Rose Baguma, the Director General of Education Policy and Analysis at the Ministry of Education.
The by-election took place following the swearing-in ceremony of Samuel Dusengiyumva and Solange Ayanone as new members of the City of Kigali Council, an event presided over by the High Court. President Paul Kagame appointed Dusengiyumva and Ayanone as Council members on Thursday, December 14.
City Executive Committee members, including the Mayor and both Vice Mayors in charge of Urbanisation and Infrastructure, and Socioeconomic Affairs, also serve as members of the city council.
On December 14, shortly after announcing the appointment of Dusengiyumva and Ayanone, the City of Kigali revealed that Merard Mpabwanamaguru was no longer a Council member.
Mpabwanamaguru, formerly the Vice Mayor in Charge of Urbanisation and Infrastructure, was replaced, while Martine Urujeni retained her position as Vice Mayor in charge of Socioeconomic Affairs.
Following his swearing-in, Dusengiyumva expressed gratitude to President Paul Kagame and the voters, acknowledging the trust placed in him.
He stated, “I receive the responsibilities of leading Kigali City with humility. It is demanding work, but with your support and assistance, I am committed to delivering. Good service delivery should not be considered extraordinary but rather a standard expectation.”
The Minister of Local Government, Jean Claude Musabyimana, urged the new mayor to continue guiding the progress of Kigali City, emphasizing that addressing residents’ issues should be a top priority.
Musabyimana stated, “Solving problems affecting Kigali City residents is a priority not only in the city but also in other positions of local governance to ensure citizens live safely.”
Spanning 730 square kilometers, Kigali City is home to 1,745,555 people, constituting 13.2% of the country’s total population, with a population density of 2390 people per square kilometer.
Historically, Kigali’s roots date back between 8000 and 3000 BC, evolving from the creation of the country of Gasabo, which later expanded to form present-day Rwanda. The city itself, founded in 1907 by German Richard Kandt, has a 116-year history marked by gradual infrastructure development.
Since 1975, Kigali City has been led by 12 mayors, including Francois Karera (1975-1990), Col Renzaho Tharcisse (1990-1994), Rose Kabuye (post-Genocide), Protais Musoni (1997-1999), Marc Kabandana (1999-2001), Théoneste Mutsindashyaka (2001-2006), Aissa Kirabo Kacyira (2006-2011), Fidèle Ndayisaba (2011-2016), Monique Mukaruliza (2016), Pascal Nyamulinda (2017-2018), Marie Chantal Rwakazina (2018-2019), and Pudence Rubingisa (2019-2023).
Dusengiyumva becomes the 11th mayor of Kigali City after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The funds include an immediate disbursement of SDR 36.97 million (approximately US$ 49.49 million) under the RSF and SDR 66.75 million (about US$ 89.35 million) under the SCF. The RSF arrangement, approved on December 12, 2022, amounts to SDR 240.3 million (around US$ 321.66 million or 150 percent of quota), with the first reviews completed on May 24, 2023.
Rwanda’s robust economic growth faces challenges from macroeconomic imbalances, compounded by factors such as repeated droughts, severe floods in May 2023, and global uncertainties like the war in Ukraine. The approved credit aims to provide policy space to address these challenges, with a focus on rebuilding external buffers, curbing inflation, and improving debt sustainability. Despite expected growth moderation, the IMF emphasizes the resilience demonstrated by Rwanda’s economic policies.
The Executive Board’s assessment, delivered by Mr. Bo Li, Deputy Managing Director, underscores Rwanda’s commitment to macroeconomic stability and strong performance under the PCI and RSF. While acknowledging the impact of recent floods, Li emphasizes the need for a balanced fiscal consolidation in the medium term. The IMF encourages comprehensive tax reforms and spending rationalization to achieve developmental goals, advance the climate agenda, and ensure sustainable debt management.
The approved SCF arrangement will play a crucial role in recalibrating the near-term policy mix. Monetary policy actions and exchange rate flexibility are highlighted as essential for containing inflationary pressures and preserving external stability. The IMF also applauds Rwanda’s commitment to building a resilient and greener economy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum on RSF-supported climate-related reforms.
The approved funding reflects the IMF’s confidence in Rwanda’s economic policies and commitment to navigating challenges, fostering resilience, and advancing sustainable development.
Merard Mpabwanamaguru, formerly the Vice Mayor in Charge of Urbanisation and Infrastructure, concluded his tenure as a member of the City Council.
The city’s Executive Committee, comprising the Mayor and Vice Mayors overseeing Urbanisation and Infrastructure, as well as Socio-Economic Affairs, also holds membership in the city council.
Rubingisa, former Mayor of the City of Kigali, bid farewell to his position and assumed the role of the new Governor of Eastern Province, as per an announcement from the Office of the Prime Minister.
This transition followed the arrest of Emmanuel Gasana, the previous provincial governor facing charges related to abuse of office.
The Prime Minister’s statement also introduced two new members to the Council of the City of Kigali – Samuel Dusengiyumva and Solange Ayanone. A subsequent tweet from City Hall confirmed their appointments, signaling a comprehensive reshuffling of the city’s leadership.
With these changes, only one member of the city’s Executive Committee remains in the Council—Urujeni Martine, the Vice Mayor in charge of Socio-Economic Affairs.
The Council of the City of Kigali, responsible for decision-making, strategy formulation, and issuing directives, plays a pivotal role in guiding the city’s development strategies, budget, and execution.
The departure of Mpabwanamaguru from the city council signifies his removal from the executive committee, as council membership is a prerequisite for committee involvement. Consequently, new elections are imminent to select leaders to fill the vacancies left by the exits of Rubingisa and Mpabwanamaguru.
Presently, Kigali City boasts 11 councilors: Dr. Kayihura Muganga Didas, Nishimwe Marie Grace, Baguma Rose, Bizimana Hamiss, Kajeneri Mugenzi Christian, Muhutu Gilbert, Urujeni Martine, Rutera Rose, Umutesi Geraldine, Samuel Dusengiyumva, and Solange Ayanone.
Rubingisa assumed the role of Kigali City Mayor in August 2019, becoming the 10th person to hold this position after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. On the other hand, Mpabwanamaguru was elected Kigali City Vice Mayor in Charge of Urbanization and Infrastructure in August 2021.
Spanning 730 square kilometers, Kigali City is home to 1,745,555 people, constituting 13.2% of the country’s total population, with a population density of 2390 people per square kilometer.
Historically, Kigali’s roots date back between 8000 and 3000 BC, evolving from the creation of the country of Gasabo, which later expanded to form present-day Rwanda. The city itself, founded in 1907 by German Richard Kandt, has a 116-year history marked by gradual infrastructure development.
Since 1975, Kigali City has been led by 12 mayors, including Francois Karera (1975-1990), Col Renzaho Tharcisse (1990-1994), Rose Kabuye (post-Genocide), Protais Musoni (1997-1999), Marc Kabandana (1999-2001), Théoneste Mutsindashyaka (2001-2006), Aissa Kirabo Kacyira (2006-2011), Fidèle Ndayisaba (2011-2016), Monique Mukaruliza (2016), Pascal Nyamulinda (2017-2018), Marie Chantal Rwakazina (2018-2019), and Pudence Rubingisa (2019-2023).
Rubingisa, former Mayor of the City of Kigali, steps into the role previously held by Emmanuel Gasana, currently facing legal challenges related to alleged abuse of office.
Meanwhile, Barore, who also chairs the Rwanda Media Commission, assumes the position of RBA Director General, succeeding Arthur Asiimwe, appointed as Deputy Chief of Mission in the Rwandan embassy in the United States.
Additionally, Samuel Dusengiyumva and Solange Ayanone join the Council of the City of Kigali. Dusengiyumva, formerly the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Local Government, and Ayanone, a media consultant, bring diverse expertise to this municipal body.
Valens Uwineza takes charge as the Director of Cabinet in the Office of the President, succeeding Urujeni Bakuramutsa, who transitions to the role of Ambassador-designate to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Col (Rtd) Donat Ndamage is proposed as Rwanda’s envoy to Mozambique, succeeding Claude Nikobisanzwe, who held the post since 2019.
Lawrence Manzi, previously the first counselor at the Rwandan embassy in the US, assumes the role of Ambassador-designate to the Federative Republic of Brazil. Juliana Kangeli Muganza becomes the Deputy Director of Cabinet in the Office of the President, elevating from her previous position as a policy analyst.
In other significant moves, Felicien Usengumukiza rises to the position of Deputy Chief Executive at the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), Willy Mugenzi, a former journalist, becomes the Chief Operations Officer of Rwanda Cooperation Initiative, and Stella Nteziryayo is appointed Chief Economist at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.
Anita Kayirangwa moves to the Supreme Court as Secretary General, transitioning from her role as Executive Director, National Unity, Itorero, and Citizenship Education at the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement.
President Kagame also appointed Eric Uwitonze Mahoro, formerly a senior executive at Never Again Rwanda, as the Permanent Secretary at MINUBUMWE, rounding out the extensive array of changes in key positions across the Rwandan landscape.
