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Having acquired US nationality, Anne Rwigara had been living outside Rwanda for an extended period, primarily in the USA and Belgium, where she had relatives.

The news of her passing began circulating on Thursday afternoon through various social media platforms.

IGIHE has received confirmation from reliable sources that Anne Rwigara passed away at the age of 41 in California succumbing to natural cause, and she had not been suffering from a prolonged illness.

Anne Rwigara was the sister of Diane Rwigara, who briefly entered the political arena in 2017.

On Wednesday, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, announced the commencement of operations for the Ukrainian embassy in Ghana. He conveyed that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had directed the Ukrainian diplomatic service to initiate new embassies in Africa, and the first one in Ghana is now operational.

Kuleba mentioned that permits have been obtained for embassies to open embassies in different African countries such as Rwanda, Mozambique, Mauritania, Botswana, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sudan.

Emphasizing the strategic importance of these initiatives, Kuleba stated that it aligns with Ukraine’s strategy to enhance relationships with African nations, contribute to the Ukrainian-African renaissance, and counteract Russian influence globally. He highlighted that expanding diplomatic presence would create new opportunities for the Ukrainian government, businesses, and citizens.

Regarding the functioning of the embassy in Accra, Ghana, Kuleba mentioned that it would operate at the level of chargé d’affaires until an ambassador is appointed. The embassy’s role will involve developing political contacts, strengthening economic ties, and providing consular services for both Ukrainians and Ghanaians. Kuleba also disclosed plans to open ten new embassies in Africa in the near future.

In a column written in May, Kuleba outlined Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts to regain global influence and economic strength.

He emphasized the ongoing “political counteroffensive” aimed at reinforcing Ukraine’s position across continents, particularly in the Global South. Additionally, Kuleba visited Rwanda in May, signing an agreement with the Rwandan Foreign Minister to facilitate political consultations between the two countries.

On December 18, 2023, Tshisekedi indicated that he was contemplating seeking the approval of the Congolese Parliament to declare war on Rwanda. He emphasized the ability of the Congolese Army (FARDC) to shell Kigali from Goma town, located in the North Kivu province, without the need for a ground troop deployment. Tshisekedi accuses the Rwandan army of aggression through the armed group M23 operating in North Kivu, an allegation vehemently denied by Rwanda, which refutes any interference in Congolese affairs.

During an interview on the program ‘The Long Form’ with Sanny Ntayombya, Brig Gen Rwivanga was questioned about the consequences of such a declaration of war. He responded that the Rwandan army is ready to defend the country in the event of an attack, stating, “I will answer the political question with a military answer. We are ready and have always been prepared. There is nothing new in our readiness. People should rest easy.”

Rwanda has reinforced its military presence near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in response to escalating tensions between the FARDC and M23, aiming to protect its citizens from potential fallout from the fighting. The deputy spokesperson of the Rwandan government, Alain Mukuralinda, confirmed this development in November 2023, highlighting the threat posed by the FDLR group, known for its previous attempts to destabilize Rwanda and its collaboration with Congolese forces.

Tensions between Rwanda and the DRC have escalated since the beginning of 2022, prompting the United Nations to urge both countries to engage in dialogue to avoid armed conflict.

Rwanda possesses valuable minerals such as Cassiterite, Wolfram, Coltan, Gold, Lithium, and Gemstones (Amethyst, Sapphire, Beryl, and Tourmaline). In recent years, the revenue generated from these minerals fluctuated, with a significant increase observed in 2020 and 2021, reaching $733 million and $516 million, respectively.

This growth is attributed to research, the identification of new mining sites, and collaboration with investors to enhance production. Mechanization within mining companies has also contributed to the upswing. However, despite these positive developments, a substantial amount of production is still lost due to the export of unprocessed minerals.

According to Ambassador Yamina Karitanyi, the CEO of RMB, exporting minerals without value addition results in significant losses, including taxes and the loss of valuable precious stones. For instance, the export of unprocessed gold containing copper or crude Coltan with additional minerals like niobium leads to a 44% loss in revenue.

To address this issue, the Gasabo Gold Refinery was established in 2017 with an investment exceeding Rwf5 billion. Although it currently operates at 30% of its capacity, processing 28.8 tons per year, the facility aims to increase the value of gold before export.

Additionally, plans are underway to construct processing plants for Lithium and Wolfram, aligning with Rwanda’s vision to add value to all minerals before export. RMB is working with investors to achieve this goal, emphasizing the importance of building more processing plants.

Furthermore, there are plans to construct plants to manufacture needed equipment, including Dynamites used in the mining sector. Amb. Karitanyi highlighted the high cost of imported dynamites and proposed local production to reduce expenses.

Rwanda envisions becoming self-sufficient in producing materials essential for mining, with a long-term plan to establish a factory within the country.

Despite the current inability to achieve this, a system has been created to provide miners with affordable supplies.

In the pursuit of increasing mining production and reaching a revenue target of at least US$1 billion this year, RMB emphasizes the importance of enhancing the entire mineral value chain, adopting modern equipment, and ensuring adherence to legal regulations in the mining sector.

Ongoing surveys are being conducted to provide accurate information on the quantity of minerals in Rwanda, with previous estimates indicating a substantial value of approximately $154 billion, largely untapped since the colonial period.

As the end of year comes to a close, the cityscape undergoes a transformation with vibrant decorations in various colors and designs. This tradition, now deeply embedded in Kigali’s neighborhoods, signifies the collective celebration of the year’s end and the anticipation of a new, promising year. The streets are adorned with an array of lights, depicting scenes from the birth of Jesus, Christmas trees, and a variety of other festive decorations.

For those who observe the religious aspect of Christmas, the decorations hold a deeper meaning. The lights symbolize the belief that the birth of Jesus brought light to the world, representing hope and kindness. It is a celebration of moving from darkness to light, and the entire city joins in this jubilation through the illumination of its streets and buildings.

The City of Kigali takes the lead in enhancing the festive atmosphere by beautifying key areas. Numerous companies, including banks, insurance firms, businesses, and universities, actively contribute to this tradition, making it a collaborative effort to bring joy to the community.

A recent tour by IGIHE revealed the extent of these preparations in various parts of Kigali. As the days tick down to the Christmas and New Year celebrations, the entire city is aglow with a captivating mix of lights and decorations. The result is a picturesque scene that captivates onlookers and adds to the overall festive ambiance.

In the evenings, Kigali comes alive with a flurry of activity as families, couples, and enthusiasts traverse the beautifully adorned streets. The joy of capturing the enchanting decorations in photos and videos has become a cherished part of the holiday experience. Walking through the city at night, one can witness a lively procession of people, all immersed in the delight of these festive displays.

This statement was made through an announcement released on December 21, seemingly at odds with the content of a letter titled “Fiducia supplicans” (Faith to Pray to God), issued by the Office of Pope Francis on December 18, 2023. The Pope’s document emphasizes that when a priest offers a blessing, there should be no scrutiny of sexual relationships, as everyone is seeking God’s love and mercy, and exclusion should be avoided.

Pope Francis acknowledges that those in non-traditional families, including homosexual couples, may be in a state of sin but should not be denied God’s love and compassion. The Rwandan Catholic Bishops’ Conference acknowledged the controversy surrounding blessings for cohabiting couples and same-sex individuals.

In their announcement, the bishops clarified that the letter does not alter the Church’s teachings on the sacrament of Holy Matrimony, reserved for a man and a woman joined in love and with the purpose of procreation, without separation.

The statement underscores the nature of blessings as prayers to God, seeking his sanctification, healing, and assistance for personal transformation. It firmly distinguishes the blessing of cohabiting couples from the sacrament of marriage, emphasizing that homosexuality is incompatible with God’s law and cultural values.

The epicopal conference in Rwanda urges priests, clerics, and all faithful to uphold the unchanged teachings of the Church on Christian marriage. They encourage support for young people and married couples who cherish the sacrament of marriage and its sacred significance.

In Africa, there is disagreement with the Vatican’s announcement, reflecting the Church’s conservative stance. Various bishops’ conferences in African countries, including Nigeria, Zambia, Côte d’Ivoire, and Kenya, have issued statements expressing their cultural disapproval of blessings for homosexual individuals.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Africa has solicited comments from its members regarding the Vatican’s document, anticipating submissions by the second week of January.

Opinions on the Vatican’s decision to bless homosexuals vary even among monks in Europe. The sensitive nature of the issue is heightened in European societies, where any dissent may pose risks, whether one is religious or not.

The document Fiducia supplicans raises concerns about potential divisions within the Catholic Church, akin to the schisms seen in other denominations over issues like homosexuality.

The Catholic Church, with over 1.3 billion members worldwide, has a history of making controversial decisions, with disagreements arising in the past over language changes in Mass, the role of women in the Church, the Virgin Mary’s innocence, and other issues.

Despite global growth, the Church faces declining membership in certain regions, leading to the closure of some temples.

Recent social media speculation suggested that Gasana might have received a presidential pardon, potentially exempting him from further court proceedings during his 30-day remand.

However, IGIHE has learned that Gasana was not pardoned but was granted temporary permission to leave prison, with the obligation to return afterward.

Gasana is not the only individual to have received such permission, as another inmate was recently granted a similar opportunity to bury relatives who fell victim to gang violence.

This authorization aligns with Article 27 of the Law governing correctional services, which allows inmates to leave detention under specific circumstances. These circumstances include appearing before the court or responding to summonses from relevant authorities.

The article concludes by stating that inmates may be given permission to leave prison when the prison’s management determines that it cannot interfere with the legal process.

Gasana currently faces two charges: soliciting and receiving bribes for services within his responsibilities and abusing his power for personal gain. He is currently serving a 30-day remand at Mageragere prison.

Gen Mubarakh Muganga, 56, took over as the RDF Chief of Defence Staff in June this year, succeeding Gen Jean Bosco Kazura, who had held the position since 2019. Prior to his role as CDS, Gen Mubarakh Muganga had served as the Army Chief of Staff from June 2021.

Gen Muganga holds a Bachelor’s Degree (A0) in Public Administration.

With more than 30 years in the military, Gen Mubarakh Muganga served as 4th Division Commander from 2008-2012, 3ed Division Commander from 2013-2015, 1st Division Commander from 2016-2021 (and the Armed Forces Shop Board of Directors Chairman).

Gen Muganga has undertaken a series of military courses to enhance his knowledge and skills. These include the Cadet Officer Course, which he completed in 1988-1989 in Long, Jinja, Uganda. Additionally, he participated in the Grade 3 Staff Course at CSC Nyakinama, Rwanda.

In 2005, Gen Muganga attended the Command and Staff Course at the Defence Services Command and Staff College in Zambia. His pursuit of academic excellence led him to engage in Defense and Strategic Studies at the National Defense University of PLA, China, in 2012.

Further expanding his expertise, he took the Managing Defence in a Democracy Course in 2006 at the Peace Support Training Centre, Karen, Kenya. Subsequently, in 2007, he participated in the International Peace Support Operations, Senior Mission Leaders Course, and the International Symposium Course, held at the Peace Support Training Centre and the National University of China, respectively.

Gen Muganga’s professional development is also evident in his completion of the African Strategy Course in 2008 at Nasser Higher Military Academy, High War College-Cairo, Egypt. In 2012, he further honed his leadership skills through the Leadership Science & Strategic Management course at Tsinghua University, China. Finally, in 2016, he attended the African Cooperation for Decision Maker Course in Egypt.

Gen Mubarakh Muganga is a recipient of different awards including; National Liberation Medal, Campaign against Genocide Medal, Foreign Campaign Medal, Presidential Inauguration Medal; Combat Action Ribbon, Combat Service Ribbon and Community Service Ribbon.

Of these promotions, 137 soldiers have been elevated from the rank of Warrant Officer II to Warrant Officer I, while 142 have been promoted from Sergeant Major to Warrant Officer II.

Additionally, a total of 2,165 soldiers have been promoted from Staff Sergeant to Sergeant Major, 3,419 from Sergeant to Staff Sergeant, 2,537 from Corporal to Sergeant, and 1,625 from Private to Corporal.

These promotions, effective immediately, were declared just one day after President Paul Kagame and the Commander-In-Chief of the RDF elevated more than 700 soldiers to junior officers, senior officers, and generals ranks.