The city now glows with vibrant decorations and sparkling lights that set the tone for a season of celebration.
Walking through the streets of Kigali during this time is nothing short of magical.
From the bustling downtown area near the iconic roundabout to the scenic paths leading through Gishushu and Remera, the city is illuminated with festive ornaments.
The streets, lined with glowing lights and colorful displays, reflect the collective spirit of its residents, who take immense pride in living in one of the cleanest cities in the world.
For those who love to capture the beauty of the moment, the festive decorations offer the perfect backdrop. Visitors from all over the world are seen wandering the streets, taking pictures of the stunning displays, each one reflecting Kigali’s pride and vibrant culture.
Beyond the public spaces, Kigali’s residents have also embraced the season by adorning their homes, offices, and even vehicles with festive touches. This added personal touch enhances the collective spirit of celebration and reflects the deep-rooted joy that comes with the season.
As the countdown to Christmas and New Year begins, IGIHE took a tour around the city. The pictures below showcase a glimpse of the magnificence Kigali has to offer as we step into this festive season.
Take a moment to explore these eye-catching pictures and experience the magic of Kigali.
“It makes no sense to have conflicts about this. Therefore, I appeal to everyone to bring these negotiations to a good result now,” said the German chancellor Scholz upon arriving at the European Council summit.
China hopes that the EU will take concrete steps as soon as possible to jointly advance consultations on a price commitment plan for Chinese EVs, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.
China always stands for the resolution of trade frictions through dialogue and consultation, and has been doing its utmost in the price commitment talks, said the ministry’s spokesperson He Yongqian.
Scholz also called on the European Commission to ease the enforcement of financial penalties for EU carmakers that fail to meet the region’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emission targets set for next year.
“In the current global pressures facing the automotive industry, especially in Europe, it makes no sense to further burden companies with penalties for unmet targets in 2025,” Scholz said.
“The Commission should find a way so that, if penalties become necessary, they do not impact the financial liquidity of the companies that now need to invest in electro-mobility, modern products, and vehicles,” he added.
The European Green Deal aims for climate neutrality by 2050, including a 90 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from transport. To support this goal, stricter EU emissions rules for automakers will take effect from 2025, requiring average emissions of 93.6 grams of CO2 per kilometer or less. Automakers exceeding this limit face fines of 95 euros (about 98.45 U.S. dollars) per gram per car.
Industry estimates suggest European automakers could face penalties totaling 15 billion euros for failing to meet the targets, with Germany’s Volkswagen, the region’s largest automaker, among the most exposed.
This new initiative allows EAC nationals to apply for the permit free of charge.
The announcement was made through a gazette notice issued by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who also serves as Kenya’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
With this move, Kenya follows Rwanda’s example in eliminating work permit fees for EAC nationals.
To qualify for the permit, applicants must present proof of citizenship from an EAC member state, such as a valid passport.
The primary goal of the ‘Class R’ permit is to streamline the work permit process for EAC nationals and encourage both skilled and unskilled workers to come to Kenya.
In addition to the new permit, Kenya has also reduced the minimum annual income requirement for its nomad working permit, lowering it from $55,000 to $24,000.
Mudavadi has told The East African that these changes are part of Kenya’s strategy to position itself as a multilateral hub.
Initially, the DRC government had requested all MONUSCO forces to leave the country by December 31, 2024.
However, security in North Kivu has worsened, prompting the extension of the mission’s mandate, which will now expire on December 20, 2025.
This insecurity has been fueled by the ongoing conflict between government forces, supported by a coalition of armed groups, and the M23 rebel group.
The situation has been further exacerbated by the Congolese government’s refusal to engage in dialogue that could address the safety concerns of citizens facing violence in the eastern part of the country.
The Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2765 (2024), outlining MONUSCO’s key priorities, including protecting civilians, supporting stabilization efforts, and strengthening state institutions and governance.
The resolution also grants MONUSCO the authority to use “all means at its disposal” to prevent attacks on civilians by armed groups.
MONUSCO will continue to operate with an authorized troop ceiling of 11,500 military personnel, 600 observers, 443 police officers, and 1,270 members of police units.
The Council also called for a tailored strategy for the mission’s gradual and responsible withdrawal, taking into account the evolving conflict dynamics in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
A progress report on the withdrawal strategy is expected by March 31, 2025. The Secretary-General will continue to provide regular updates on the mission’s performance and any necessary adjustments.
MONUSCO has been active in DRC for more than 20 years.
The development was announced by Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana on December 20, at a press conference during which Rwanda declared the end of Marburg Virus Disease.
Rwanda announced the Marburg virus outbreak on September 27, 2024. Assessments linked the Marburg virus outbreak to Egyptian rousette bats in mining areas nearby Kigali City.
According to the Ministry of Health, investigations revealed that the initial transmission took place in August 2024. A man contracted the virus in the mine and subsequently transmitted it to his wife, who tragically passed away after being infected.
By the time the outbreak was declared over, the country had recorded 66 illnesses and 15 deaths.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, Dr. Nsanzimana highlighted the importance of understanding bat movements, stating, “We will begin, in the coming weeks, to track and understand the migrations and movements of bats. […] We aim to detect outbreaks before they reach our hospitals.”
The government plans to focus on critical periods, especially in February and August, when bats are more likely to shed viruses.
Over 50 bat habitats have been identified, and warning signs are being placed to prevent human contact in high-risk areas.
While acknowledging the ecological role of bats, Nsanzimana emphasized the importance of creating safer environments to mitigate public health risks.
Richard Nyirishema had assumed the role of Minister of Sports in August 2024, replacing Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, while Richard Tusabe had held the position State Minister in charge of the National Treasury since 2020.
A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister, released on December 20, 2024, confirmed other appointments, including Rwanda’s new ambassadors and leaders in key government institutions.
In ambassadorial appointments, Festus Bizimana has been designated as Rwanda’s proposed ambassador to Senegal, while Parfait Busabizwa will represent the country in the Republic of the Congo.
Olivier Kayumba is proposed as Rwanda’s ambassador to the Central African Republic, and Maj Gen Joseph Nzabamwita, Senior Security Advisor in the Office of the President has been nominated ambassador to the Russian Federation.
Lambert Dushimimana, former Western Province Governor has been designated as the proposed ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Meanwhile, Vincent Karega who previously served as Rwanad’s ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa, has been appointed Ambassador at Large in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in charge of the Great Lakes Region.
Other key appointments include Francis Gatare as Senior Advisor in the Office of the President and Eng. Richard Nyirishema as the Executive Chairperson of the Rwanda Water Resources Board.
Francis Gatare previously served as the CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Former Minister of Local Government, Jean Claude Musabyimana will serve as the Executive Secretary of the National Electoral Commission, while Brave Ngabo is appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Arts.
Ariane Zingiro has been named Head of the National Development Planning and Research Department in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.
A statement by the council of ministers indicates that the mourning would begin at midnight on 20 December.
In a televised address on Thursday, President Filipe Nyusi expressed his condolences, offering support to the grieving families and affected communities.
He emphasized the government’s immediate focus on providing shelter, food, water, and other critical aid.
The cyclone devastated the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa, damaging over 36,000 homes, 49 healthcare facilities, and key infrastructure.
More than 182,000 people are impacted, with emergency shelters set up for over 1,300 displaced individuals. Humanitarian efforts are ongoing to address the crisis.
The walkout, spanning seven facilities in four states, came during the busiest delivery time in a year as Americans complete their Christmas shopping.
At a San Francisco distribution center, about 50 workers formed a picket line early Thursday morning. Dressed in high-visibility yellow vests, they carried signs reading “Amazon: obey the law” and “Amazon is unfair” and chanted slogans, demanding Amazon negotiate with their union — the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Among them was Leah Penslar, who wore an “Amazon Teamsters” beanie.
“The company needs to come to the bargaining table and negotiate a fair contract with us,” Penslar told NBC.
The strike occurred less than a week before Christmas when delivery networks faced their peak demands. Workers have taken action at delivery hubs including San Francisco, New York City, Atlanta and Skokie, with the union reporting picketing activities at hundreds more Amazon facilities nationwide.
“If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon’s insatiable greed. We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien in a statement posted on social media.
The situation developed after Amazon did not meet the union’s Dec. 15 deadline to begin negotiations. According to the union, nearly 10,000 Amazon workers joined its movement, demanding higher wages, better benefits, and improved workplace safety conditions.
However, Amazon disputed these claims.
“For more than a year now, the Teamsters have continued to intentionally misled the public — claiming that they represent thousands of Amazon employees and drivers,” said an Amazon spokesperson in a statement, “They don’t, and this is another attempt to push a false narrative.”
The company also said the union “threatened, intimidated and attempted to coerce” employees and third-party drivers to join their cause.
Despite the protests, Amazon maintained that the strike would have minimal impact on holiday deliveries. The striking workers represent a small portion of the retailing giant’s about 1.1 million U.S. employees.
While there may not be “a material impact” on deliveries, “it is possible there may be some isolated incidents of delay,” said Dan Romanoff, an analyst with the investment research firm Morningstar.
Delivery operations showed signs of slowdown in New York City, while operations in other cities remained largely unaffected. The company’s multiple locations in metropolitan areas serve as a buffer against potential disruptions.
Industry observers noted that Amazon’s extensive logistics network, built over years of rapid expansion, provides significant resilience against localized disruptions.
The strike reflected ongoing discussions about Amazon’s business practices and workers’ rights.
As the second-largest U.S. private employer after Walmart, Amazon often faces questions from unions who say the company’s focus on speed and efficiency can lead to workplace injuries.
The company maintains that it provides industry-leading wages and implements automation designed to reduce repetitive stress.
The company recently announced an investment of 2.2 billion U.S. dollars to raise the wages for employees at its fulfilment and transportation network. But union representatives said such measures did not fully address their concern about workplace conditions and job security.
In recent weeks, there have been reports of genocide survivors being targeted across various parts of the country.
These survivors have faced intimidation through unsigned documents, and some have had their property damaged or destroyed.
The growing trend of violence has been addressed by the country’s leadership, which has emphasized the need to hold those responsible accountable.
In an interview with IGIHE, Prof. Dusingizemungu, President of the Parliamentary Forum for the Prevention of Genocide, Denial, and Revisionism (AGPF), shared information that suggests some of the individuals involved in these recent violent acts are those who have completed their sentences for roles in the Genocide against the Tutsi but have failed to change.
“There are people who were convicted for their roles in the Genocide against the Tutsi, and while they have served their sentences, investigations and evidence suggest that some of them are still involved in such activities. It is clear that we need to put in more effort in preparing inmates for reintegration into society,” he said.
Rwanda plans to open a halfway home in February 2025 to help individuals nearing the end of their genocide-related sentences prepare for reintegration into society.
Prof. Dusingizemungu emphasized that those who have served their sentences, genuinely repented, admitted their crimes, and sought forgiveness pose no threat.
The real danger, he explained, lies with those who have never acknowledged their crimes and continue to harbor genocidal ideology.
“The problem lies with those who never admitted their crimes. These individuals are still clinging to genocidal ideology, and they are often behind the recent acts of violence against genocide survivors,” he said.
“This group requires special attention, and we must implement specific interventions to address them effectively.”
He also suggested that Rwanda’s approach to reintegrating returnees and former members of terrorist groups—an approach that includes educating them on government policies and national values—should be extended to those serving genocide-related sentences.
“These individuals should undergo similar orientations and guidance, preparing them through community-based activities like Umuganda , involving them in practical ways with their families and the local community. The goal is to ensure they are not isolated but integrated meaningfully into society,” he explained.
Prof. Dusingizemungu emphasized the importance of community involvement in this process, advocating for local residents to interact with these individuals before they return to their communities.
He further suggested that citizens should be informed about the returnees’ presence, helping them understand how to reintegrate former prisoners and prevent misunderstandings.
Statistics show that over 21,000 individuals are incarcerated for genocide-related crimes, with the majority never having repented.
These individuals have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from 25 to 30 years or even life sentences.
Prof. Dusingizemungu also pointed to the troubling involvement of youth in violence against genocide survivors, indicating that genocidal ideology persists in some families.
“This raises the question of whether genocidal ideology is being passed down from parents to their children. It shows that more efforts are needed to educate the youth on the history of the genocide, its consequences, and the importance of national unity,” he said.
Prof. Dusingizemungu emphasized that encouraging everyone to participate in community development activities is crucial for building a strong and cohesive nation.
