Ingabire argues that Article 106 violates constitutional guarantees, including Articles 29 (b) and 61, and should be annulled.
The article allows a court, during criminal proceedings, to summon individuals suspected of being accomplices or witnesses to provide explanations. If no incriminating evidence emerges, the trial continues without further summons.
However, if the court deems their explanations inadequate and detects signs of criminal responsibility, it may direct the Prosecution to open an investigation based on matters raised in court.
Ingabire’s petition stems from her own experience in a case before the High Court involving Sibomana Sylvain and others.
She was summoned by the trial judge to give explanations, after which the court ordered the Prosecution to investigate her, leading to her arrest.
The Supreme Court first confirmed that Ingabire has standing to bring the challenge, as the application of Article 106 directly affected her and could impact others similarly.
Representatives from the State Attorney General’s office opposed admitting the case. They cited a prior Supreme Court ruling in the case of Mutebwa Alphred, which addressed a similar provision (then Article 121) and prompted subsequent amendments.
They argued that evidence against concealed suspects may only surface during trial and that judicial orders for investigation do not predetermine outcomes.
They also invoked the principle of res judicata, asserting that an issue already conclusively decided by a competent court cannot be relitigated.
Ingabire countered that a judicial order to investigate carries immediate legal consequences. She further noted that, despite the earlier ruling, the revised wording of Article 106 retains unconstitutional elements.
Drawing on scholarly opinions from French legal experts, the Supreme Court held that res judicata must be evaluated in light of the substance of the contested provision.
The principle does not bar courts from revisiting or correcting prior approaches, particularly when legislation has been redrafted. The court cited precedents from India’s Supreme Court allowing review to verify legislative compliance with earlier judgments.
The court observed that, although the Criminal Procedure Law was amended in response to the prior decision, Article 106 preserves the core mechanism of judicial summons and retains elements now challenged by Ingabire.
Accordingly, the Supreme Court declared the petition admissible and scheduled the merits hearing for March 4, 2026.
As a result, the ongoing trial of former DALFA–Umurinzi party members, led by Sibomana Sylvain before the High Court, will remain paused until the Supreme Court rules on Ingabire’s case.
In a statement issued on January 15, 2026, the group’s spokesperson, Col Kamasa Ndakize Welcome, alleged that FARDC troops, supported by Burundian forces, FDLR rebels, and Wazalendo militias, launched coordinated ground and aerial attacks in the Point-Zéro area, approximately 10 km from Minembwe Commune.
Col Ndakize claimed the assaults deliberately targeted civilian areas, including Rwitsankuku and surrounding villages, destroying infrastructure, forcing residents to flee, and endangering innocent lives.
In response, he said Twirwaneho fighters repelled the ground offensive, shot down one enemy drone that was striking populated areas, dismantled opposing positions, and seized strategic heights, including Mount Baruta, a position long used, according to the group, to shell civilian zones.
MRDP-Twirwaneho emphasized that it will not tolerate alleged abuses by government-aligned forces and reiterated its commitment to protecting Banyamulenge civilians and their property.
The interest was voiced during interactions with Rwanda’s High Commissioner to India, Jacqueline Mukangira, on the sidelines of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference held in Rajkot on 11-12 January 2026 where Rwanda was invited as a partner country.
“On the sideline of the Vibrant Gujarat, the High Commissioner had the opportunity to exchange with business industrialists, company CEOs and education leaders. Many expressed interest to visit Rwanda and explore investment possibilities,” reads a statement from Rwanda’s High Commission in India.
The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focused on promoting regional industrial development, attracting investments, and strengthening global partnerships, with particular emphasis on ceramics, engineering, and renewable energy.
The event brought together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, government officials, and international delegates to showcase Gujarat’s progressive industrial policies and its potential as a global manufacturing hub.
In her remarks High Commissioner Mukangira highlighted the robust bilateral ties between Rwanda and India. She thanked the Chief Minister of Gujarat for extending the invitation and praised Rwanda’s impressive economic trajectory, noting an 11.8% growth rate in the third quarter of 2025.
She underscored that India is Rwanda’s second-largest foreign investor and trading partner and extended a warm invitation for increased Indian investment in priority sectors including manufacturing, infrastructure, ICT, agriculture, mining, tourism and healthcare.
The High Commissioner also recalled Prime Minister Modi’s historic visit to Rwanda in 2018, which significantly deepened cooperation between the two nations.
She expressed gratitude for PM Modi’s gesture of gifting 200 cows to villagers in Bugesera District.
During the conference, Prime Minister Modi himself referenced this initiative, highlighting the unique rule attached to the gift: each new calf born from the gifted cows must be passed on to another family in need, thereby multiplying the benefit and positively impacting local household economies in Rweru Village.
Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conferences are preliminary to Vibrant Gujarat Summit which is also held in Gujarat biannually.
Situated on a prime plot between the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) and Kigali Heights (YYUSSA Plaza), the project will include a sky bridge providing direct access to the Convention Centre.
Upon completion, the 140-metre-tall tower will encompass approximately 74,000 square meters of built area, making it one of the most significant developments of its kind, featuring a five-star hotel, modern office facilities, and vibrant commercial areas.
The development is a joint venture between Parklane Group and Mota-Engil Africa, a subsidiary of the Portuguese construction giant Mota-Engil.
The foundation stone was laid on Thursday in a ceremony attended by the Minister of State in charge of Infrastructure, Ambassador Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye.
Parklane Center Ltd President, Engineer Antonio Azevedo, described the project as a model for sustainable development that will empower young people and drive growth in business, tourism and social sectors.
He highlighted that ten floors, spanning over 16,000 square metres, will provide flexible, modern office spaces, while eight floors will house commercial facilities, including the five-star hotel designed to attract regional and international visitors.
“This hotel will not only serve international and regional visitors, but also strengthen the city’s position as a destination for business, diplomacy and high-end tourism,” Azevedo said.
“As a Board, we have approached this project with a long-term perspective. Governance, risk management, and quality assurance are embedded into every layer of decision-making. We are committed to ensuring that the project is delivered responsibly, sustainably, and in line with international best practices,” he added.
Azevedo also praised the architectural design by renowned Venezuelan architect Carlos Zapata and the international expertise involved.
The Managing Director, Yannick Sekamana, said the groundbreaking marks the transition from planning to execution, with a clear focus on quality and timely delivery.
“As construction begins, our focus now turns to delivery, on time, on quality, and in line with the standards that this project, this city, and this partnership deserves,” Sekamana stated.
Parklane Group Chief Operations Officer Claire Mugisha underscored the project’s contribution to Rwanda’s infrastructure upgrade, job creation, and Vision 2050 goals.
She highlighted Rwanda’s strong governance, clear national objectives, and professional public institutions as key factors attracting sustainable investment.
Mota-Engil Africa Executive Director Roberto Ferreira reaffirmed the company’s commitment to projects that deliver positive social impact and support Africa’s self-reliance and long-term development.
In closing, Minister Uwihanganye commended the partners for the significant investment and reaffirmed government support for its successful implementation.
He said the Parklane Center will open a new chapter in Rwanda’s urban development and encouraged continued investment in the country.
The event was held on Thursday at the Caribbean Military Academy Headquarters in Kingston and was presided over by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith.
Addressing the contingent, Smith expressed appreciation to the Government of Rwanda, President Paul Kagame and the people of Rwanda for the deployment of RDF engineers, noting that their expertise will contribute meaningfully to Jamaica’s post-disaster recovery and resilience-building efforts.
Speaking on behalf of the leadership of the Rwanda Defence Force, Col Claudien Bizimungu expressed Rwanda’s solidarity with the government and the people of Jamaica.
He delivered a message from the RDF leadership, reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to stand with Jamaica during its recovery and rebuilding process.
Col Bizimungu emphasized that the deployment reflects Rwanda’s broader commitment to international cooperation and humanitarian support, highlighting the RDF’s experience in engineering, reconstruction, and community-focused interventions.
Col Moses Kayigamba, the RDF Engineer Contingent Commander, also highlighted that Rwandan engineers will work closely with the Jamaican Defence Forces and other national institutions in rehabilitation initiatives, as part of the agreed framework between the two countries.
The RDF engineer contingent was deployed to the Caribbean island nation on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, to support the country’s recovery efforts by rehabilitating infrastructure destroyed by a powerful cyclone (Hurricane Melissa) in October last year.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the deployment was conducted in accordance with a bilateral agreement between Rwanda and Jamaica aimed at assisting in the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure destroyed by disasters.
Prior to their departure for Jamaica, the RDF engineers received a briefing from Brigadier General Faustin Tinka, Commander of the Mechanized Division on behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, who urged the deployed personnel to apply their full expertise, professionalism, and technical skills in order to successfully accomplish the mission entrusted to them by RDF leadership.
He emphasised that the beneficiaries of their support should clearly feel the positive impact of their work.
The deployment is in line with President Paul Kagame’s pledge to support the Republic of Jamaica in the post-disaster recovery process during his visit in April 2022.
Provisional results announced on Friday morning showed Museveni, 81, ahead with 76% of the votes, based on results from 45% of polling stations. Opposition leader Bobi Wine, a pop star-turned-politician, was in second place with 19.76%, while the remaining votes were split among six other candidates.
Ugandans went to the polls on Thursday in a tightly contested national election, with Museveni seeking a seventh term in office. After casting his vote, Museveni told reporters he expected a decisive win, stating he anticipated around 80% of the vote “if there’s no cheating.”
Voting faced some delays in several areas, with ballot boxes arriving late and biometric machines, used to verify voters’ identities, experiencing technical issues. Some polling stations reported waits of up to four hours.
The National Unity Platform (NUP), led by Bobi Wine, said late on Thursday that security forces had surrounded his home in Kampala. Police have not officially confirmed this report. Wine’s party noted that a similar situation occurred after the 2021 election, when he was confined to his home for several days.
Uganda’s electoral commission has indicated that the results are still provisional, with counting ongoing. Authorities have urged patience as final results are compiled and verified.
The event marked the start of his diplomatic mission in Moscow and was attended by senior Russian officials and representatives of foreign diplomatic missions.
President Putin also received letters of credence from ambassadors of several other countries during the ceremony, including Somalia, Gabon, Senegal, Mauritania, Algeria, Ghana, and Namibia, alongside representatives from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Addressing the diplomats, President Putin emphasised the importance of cooperation, saying that “international cooperation is fundamental to humanity’s sustainable development and prosperity,” and stressed the need for open and constructive partnerships in an increasingly complex global environment.
Ambassador Nzabamwita was appointed Rwanda’s ambassador-designate to Russia in December 2024. He brings extensive experience in national security and public service, having previously served as Presidential Advisor on Security. Before that, he held the position of Secretary General of the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS).
He succeeds Lt Gen Mushyo Kamanzi, who had represented Rwanda in Moscow since 2019.
Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Russia date back to 1963, and the two countries have since maintained cordial and cooperative ties. Both nations operate resident diplomatic missions at ambassadorial level, reflecting the strength and continuity of their bilateral relationship.
Cooperation between Rwanda and Russia spans several sectors, including political engagement, military collaboration, education, human resource development, training, and cultural exchange. Russia has also been offering university scholarships to Rwandan students as part of its support for skills development and academic cooperation.
In recent years, nuclear energy has emerged as a key area of collaboration. Rwanda is working with Russia to establish a nuclear research centre by 2030, aimed at producing radioactive materials for cancer diagnosis and treatment, enhancing agricultural productivity through radiation technologies, and supporting industrial testing and innovation.
In her annual report to the legislature on behalf of the administrative body, Rodriguez said that the relevant reforms would help improve the operating environment of the oil industry and enhance its capacity for external cooperation.
According to the acting president, the South American nation’s oil production reached 1.2 million barrels in December last year. The revenue from oil exports will mainly be used to support the construction of the public health system, promote economic development and advance infrastructure projects.
Venezuela is currently at an important turning point, and the government will explore more pragmatic and diversified ways of foreign exchange, said Rodriguez.
The country should handle its relations with all parties, including the United States, on the basis of mutual respect, she added.
The storm left communities reeling, as homes were destroyed, trees uprooted, and floodwaters surged through towns and villages. Dozens of people lost their lives, many others were injured, and daily life ground to a halt.
Power and communication networks collapsed across large parts of the country, forcing thousands of families into shelters as debris filled streets that were once bustling.
With billions of dollars in damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods, the hurricane carved a path of devastation that will take years for Jamaica to overcome.
Recovery efforts have been inspiring, bolstered by international partnerships. On January 14, 2026, the Rwanda Defence Force deployed a contingent of military engineers to assist with rehabilitating critical infrastructure, a meaningful gesture that highlights deepening bilateral ties and Jamaica’s global connections.
As the nation rebuilds, its timeless appeal shines brighter, inviting exploration of its beauty, history and unbreakable resilience.
{{Geography and size}}
Jamaica, the third-largest island in the Caribbean, covers about 10,991 square kilometers, roughly the size of Connecticut in the United States or Lebanon in the Middle East. Located in the Greater Antilles, south of Cuba and west of Haiti, it boasts an extraordinarily diverse terrain packed into a relatively small space.
The eastern interior is dominated by the majestic Blue Mountains, rising to 2,256 meters at Blue Mountain Peak, where misty clouds and fertile soil produce world-renowned coffee. Lush rainforests transition into rolling hills, fertile valleys, and flat coastal plains.
Over 200 kilometers of coastline feature everything from powdery white-sand beaches and coral reefs to rugged cliffs and hidden coves.
Rivers plunge into spectacular waterfalls, while limestone cave systems add an underground wonder.
This geographical variety creates distinct climates: cool and wet in the highlands, hot and sunny on the coasts. It’s a playground for nature enthusiasts, offering hiking, diving, birdwatching, and relaxation in one compact paradise.
{{History}}
Jamaica’s past is a tapestry of indigenous roots, colonial hardship, and hard-won independence. The Taíno people, original inhabitants, named it “Xaymaca”, land of wood and water, and thrived until Christopher Columbus’s arrival in 1494 sparked Spanish colonization.
British control from 1655 transformed the island into a sugar powerhouse, reliant on the transatlantic slave trade and plantation labor.
Enslaved Africans and their descendants endured immense suffering but resisted fiercely, forming Maroon communities in the mountains under leaders like Queen Nanny and fueling rebellions like Sam Sharpe’s 1831 uprising, which accelerated emancipation in 1838.
The 20th century brought waves of change: Marcus Garvey’s global push for Black empowerment inspired movements worldwide, while labor leaders Norman Manley and Alexander Bustamante guided Jamaica to independence in 1962.
Today, this history lives on in preserved sites, museums, and the national motto, “Out of Many, One People,” celebrating unity amid diversity.
{{A multicultural hub in Kingston}}
With a population of approximately 2.8 million, Jamaica is a vibrant melting pot. Influences from African, European, Indian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern ancestors, shaped by enslavement, indentured labor, and migration, create a rich ethnic blend reflected in daily life.
Kingston, the capital on the southeast coast, is home to over 580,000 and serves as the nation’s pulsating center. A city of contrasts, it mixes modern skyscrapers and bustling commercial districts with historic neighborhoods, colorful markets brimming with fresh produce, and street art that tells stories of resilience.
As the economic, political, and cultural heartbeat, Kingston embodies Jamaica’s energy, where English is official but expressive Patois brings conversations to life with rhythm and warmth.
{{Culture and lifestyle}}
Jamaican culture pulses with creativity, spirituality, and an infectious “irie” outlook—optimistic, laid-back, and full of joy even in tough times.
Reggae, born here in the 1960s from ska and rocksteady, spreads messages of peace, love, and social justice globally, thanks to icons like Bob Marley.
Dancehall keeps the beats evolving with high-energy rhythms, while Rastafarianism, rooted in the 1930s, promotes natural living, Ital (vegetarian) diets, African pride, and spiritual depth, influencing everything from dreadlocks to philosophy.
Lifestyle revolves around community and celebration: family gatherings over home-cooked meals, lively street dances, and festivals like Reggae Sumfest that draw international crowds.
Hospitality is legendary, visitors are welcomed like old friends, and faith, whether Christian, Rastafari, or other, provides a strong foundation. In post-hurricane recovery, this communal strength has been evident, with neighbors and global partners coming together.
{{Cuisine: Bold, spicy flavors that tell a story}}
Jamaican food is a delicious fusion of history and fresh ingredients, known for its spice and soul. The national dish, ackee and saltfish, features the creamy (and carefully prepared) ackee fruit sautéed with salted cod, peppers, onions, and thyme—often enjoyed for breakfast with boiled green bananas or fried dumplings.
Jerk seasoning defines the island’s grilling tradition: allspice, scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, and herbs rubbed on chicken, pork, or fish, slow-smoked over pimento wood for smoky, fiery perfection. Roadside jerk pits are cultural institutions, serving it with festival (sweet fried dough) or rice and peas simmered in coconut milk.
Other highlights include tender curried goat, escovitch fish (fried and topped with pickled vegetables), flaky beef or vegetable patties, and abundant tropical fruits like mangoes and pineapples. Blue Mountain coffee is smooth and prized worldwide, while rum distills the sugarcane heritage into punches and cocktails, paired perfectly with crisp Red Stripe beer.
{{Tourism and key attractions}}
Tourism is Jamaica’s lifeblood, drawing millions for its beaches, adventure, and culture. Iconic spots include Negril’s Seven Mile Beach, with soft sands and dramatic cliff sunsets; Dunn’s River Falls near Ocho Rios, where visitors climb cascading terraces in a fun group tradition; and the Blue Mountains for hiking trails, coffee tours, and breathtaking views.
In Kingston, the Bob Marley Museum offers intimate insights into the legend’s life, while Devon House, a 19th-century mansion built by Jamaica’s first Black millionaire, charms with gardens and legendary ice cream. Emancipation Park provides urban tranquility, and historic sites like Port Royal (the old pirate capital) or Rose Hall Great House blend mystery and lore.
Eco-tourism thrives with rafting on the Rio Grande, exploring luminous lagoons, or relaxing in natural hot springs. Post-hurricane, many attractions have reopened stronger, showcasing Jamaica’s bounce-back ability.
{{Sports and global influence}}
Jamaica excels in athletics, especially sprinting, producing stars like Usain Bolt, whose Olympic dominance made him a worldwide icon. The island’s school-based track programs nurture talent that consistently shines internationally.
Cricket remains a national passion with hard-hitting legends, soccer rallies behind the Reggae Boyz, and the underdog bobsled team’s story inspired the world. Sports reflect Jamaica’s competitive heart and ability to achieve greatness on limited resources.
Jamaica blends natural wonders, cultural depth, and warm resilience into an unforgettable experience.
The delegation was led by Mr. Leung Chun-Ying, Chairman of GX Foundation and former Chief Executive of Hong Kong.
The meeting focused on exploring opportunities for collaboration in Rwanda’s health sector, with discussions covering ways to strengthen local health systems and improve access to medical care.
Established in 2018, GX Foundation is a non-governmental organization that delivers targeted medical interventions in underserved regions worldwide. The foundation is known for initiatives such as eliminating cataract blindness through mobile treatment centers, controlling vector-borne diseases, improving environmental health, and supporting emergency health risk management.
GX Foundation also builds local and global capacity through training programs, cross-border partnerships, and knowledge transfer, working closely with governments and health institutions.
The organization currently operates across Asia, Africa, Central America, and the South Pacific, with activities in countries including Senegal, Mauritania, Djibouti, Cambodia, Laos, Honduras, Fiji, and Vanuatu.
