According to RDB, the agreement signed with Harvey’s company, focuses on skills development in film, media, and education, alongside the promotion of health and wellness campaigns.
It also includes plans for establishing an academic institution under Melt Education.
On Thursday December 12, American comedian and television host Steve Harvey Harvey attended the unveiling of the first-ever FIA Level 2 Affordable Cross Car produced in Africa last week, marking his second trip to Rwanda in two months.
This project was developed in collaboration with Rwandan polytechnic students, the FIA, and the Rwanda Automobile Club.
The event held at Kigali Convention Centre also saw the presence of President Paul Kagame and the President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA).
During his earlier visit in November, Harvey discussed investment opportunities in Rwanda’s entertainment sector with President Paul Kagame.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the meeting aims to focus on advancing the readiness of the EASF for regional peace and stability.
The director of the EASF Secretariat, Brig Gen (Rtd) Kahuria Njema commended the expected strategic inputs from the EASF’s Experts Work Group before being forwarded to the next level of policy organs meeting.
Brig Gen Celestin Kanyamahanga, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), as the guest of honor warmly welcomed the delegates from EASF member states, and officiated the opening session of the six-day event under the theme ‘Two Decades of Commitment to Promote Regional Peace and Security’.
In his opening remarks, he encouraged the experts to work in groups to spare the efforts and deliver strong recommendations.
“I urge you to spare your efforts in your discussions to come up with well-thought-out recommendations. This is the only way that will be able to guide the policy organs in making decisions that enhance peace and security, not only in the region but also in Africa as a whole,” he said.
The EASF includes ten (10) member states, namely Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Soudan, and Uganda.
The tournament, which provided points for the International Cricket Council (ICC) monthly rankings, saw Uganda defeat Nigeria by six wickets in the final.
Nigeria, having won the toss, opted to bat first and aimed for a high score. However, Uganda’s bowlers dominated, dismissing Nigeria for just 89 runs after 17.3 overs.
In their chase, Uganda proved their prowess, surpassing the target in just 17.2 overs with six wickets remaining.
Key contributions came from Riazat Ali Shah and Henry Senyondo, who played pivotal roles in Uganda’s victory. Uganda ended the tournament unbeaten, winning all 10 of their matches, including games against Nigeria, Botswana, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Riazat Ali Shah was named Player of the Tournament for his exceptional performance at the international Gahanga Cricket Ground. Last year, Uganda also emerged victorious in Nairobi, defeating Kenya in the final.
Rwanda’s team played nine matches, winning three and finishing third with six points, while Botswana placed fourth.
On December 12, 2024, the car was unveiled by President Paul Kagame and Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), in a ceremony that underscored Rwanda’s growing presence in the automotive sector.
In an interview with IGIHE, Dr. Mucyo expressed her excitement about the completion of the cross car, calling it a significant milestone for both the students and the institution.
“This project is a tremendous opportunity for Rwanda Polytechnic in its mission for skills development, as well as for creating technological solutions,” she said.
“It shows what our students and staff are capable of when they merge theoretical knowledge with practical application.”
The cross car project, designed to be both affordable and locally sourced, is aimed at lowering barriers to entry in motorsports.
Students and instructors from various disciplines collaborated in the design and construction of the vehicle, mainly using locally available materials, which significantly reduces reliance on international suppliers and import taxes.
“This achievement demonstrates the potential to manufacture this car in Rwanda. The fact that Rwandans were involved in its manufacturing highlights that the skills learned at school can be effectively applied in real-world production,” Dr. Mucyo noted.
“We will be able in the future to manufacture this cross car, which is very significant for the motorsports industry,” she added.
Dr. Mucyo also highlighted the broader implications for Rwanda Polytechnic and its future in the motorsports sector.
“It proves that our students can meet industry standards and address real-world challenges,” Dr. Mucyo added.
While the cost of materials was kept low through local sourcing, Dr. Mucyo acknowledged that some components, like the engine, were imported.
The cross car was completed in just one month, with the FIA providing a technician who worked closely with the students to guide them through the necessary specifications.
The car is the first in the world to be built using the blueprints delivered by the FIA to Member Clubs as part of the Affordable Cross Car project.
Yasutaka Yoneta, who is a member of the ministry’s Policy Research Institute, is suspected of placing his smartphone under the skirt of a woman in her 20s and taking a photo without consent. He has denied the charge, Kyodo News said, citing the police.
Yoneta photographed the woman’s underwear at around 10 a.m. local time on Oct. 23 while riding an escalator at Minami-Osawa Station in Hachioji, according to the police.
The police questioned Yoneta, who also serves as a specially appointed associate professor at Tokyo Metropolitan University, over a separate incident at the end of October, wherein the image was discovered on his phone, the report said.
While many countries saw a sharp rise in malaria cases in 2023, Rwanda’s malaria cases continued to decline.
In contrast to nations like Ethiopia, where malaria cases increased by 1.5 million due to ongoing conflicts, and Madagascar, which reported 1.2 million more cases due to extreme weather events, Rwanda recorded a 36% reduction in malaria cases, with 300,000 fewer cases in 2023 compared to 2022. This marks a consistent decrease in malaria cases over the past four years.
Between 2019 and 2023, Rwanda’s malaria cases dropped from 4.9 million to 749,000.
Several factors contributed to this decline, including a multisectoral approach that involved political engagement, local leadership ownership, and decentralization.
The government also strengthened malaria surveillance systems, using data to direct interventions to the most at-risk areas.
Key strategies included the implementation of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) in 12 high-endemic districts, widespread distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in areas with high and moderate transmission, and the introduction of new-generation nets to address pyrethroid resistance.
Access to malaria diagnostics and treatment was expanded, with community care now available for adults, alongside children. Public awareness campaigns promoting free malaria services, preventive measures, and community involvement further contributed to the reduction.
According to the Rwanda Biomedical Centre, malaria cases in Rwanda dropped by 88% from over five million cases in 2016/2017 to 623,000 in 2023. Malaria-related deaths also saw a significant decline, from 600 in 2016/2017 to just 51 in 2023.
Besides, the WHO recognizes Rwanda, along with Cabo Verde (which is now malaria-free), as one of the countries making significant strides toward achieving the 2025 malaria reduction target.
The latest raids hit missile bases in Battalion 107 near Zama and weapons warehouses in rural Tartus, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.
Earlier in the evening, an Israeli jet reportedly struck radar installations at the Deir Al-Zour Military Airport in eastern Syria.
Earlier Sunday, Israeli aircraft targeted former munitions depots dug into mountains in Rural Damascus, causing a series of powerful explosions.
There were no reports of casualties.
These attacks are part of an ongoing military campaign by Israel that began on December 8, targeting any remaining military capabilities linked to Syria’s former leadership, as the country’s new authorities are working to stabilize the country’s security situation.
The MoU, signed on December 16, 2024, during an official visit by Inspector General of Police Felix Namuhoranye to Ethiopia, also focuses on preventing threats to public security and fostering capacity building within both police institutions.
Today,
The Inspector General of Police, CG Felix Namuhoranye, is in Ethiopia for an official visit aimed at enhancing the relationship between the police institutions of both countries. CG Namuhoranye and his counterpart, CG Demelash Gebre Michael Weldeyes, signed a Memorandum… pic.twitter.com/3LxhyT5hln
In addition to the MoU signed with Ethiopia, Rwanda has forged similar agreements with several other countries to strengthen international cooperation in policing and security in recent years.
In October 2024, Rwanda signed an MoU with Qatar to support institutional development and address emerging security challenges.
In March 2024, Rwanda entered into an agreement with Dubai Police in the UAE, focusing on knowledge exchange in areas like counter-terrorism and forensic science.
Rwanda also strengthened its ties with Botswana in January 2024, targeting issues such as terrorism, human trafficking, cybercrime, and organized crime.
Rwanda’s commitment to regional security was further demonstrated in 2022 when it signed a cooperation agreement with the Central African Republic to combat transnational organized crime, terrorism, and other security threats.
The tax waiver is detailed in RRA’s annual report for 2023/24, which highlights the authority’s successful year, achieving its goals and fulfilling its mandate.
The authority collected a total of Frw2.639 trillion in taxes, contributing 14% to the country’s GDP and 53.3% to the national budget.
In the financial year under review, RRA collected Frw570.4 billion Frw in income tax, slightly below the target of Frw582.1 billion. It also collected Frw585 billion from profit taxes, Frw792 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT), and Frw159.2 billion from import duties.
The report further reveals that, as part of efforts to alleviate the tax burden on businesses and individuals, the government waived Frw127.5 billion Frw in taxes.
Key measures included the removal of taxes on electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as their associated equipment, the exemption of construction materials under the “Manufacture and Build to Recover Program (MBRP),” and an increase in the funds set aside by RRA to settle VAT claims for traders. This fund allocation increased from 12% to 15%.
Additionally, the report outlines that the government waived Frw27.5 billion in VAT rebates for traders. Tax exemptions on rice and maize amounted to Frw38.2 billion in forgone revenue, while the waiver for construction materials totaled Frw19.8 billion.
The government also waived Frw38.3 billion in taxes on electric cars and motorcycles. In a bid to promote the use of electric vehicles and reduce emissions from traditional cars, the government extended tax relief for importers of electric vehicles and motorcycles, allowing them to benefit from zero tariffs on imports. This measure is reviewed annually.
The report also reveals that in 2023/24, the government waived Frw40.3 billion in taxes related to electric vehicles and their equipment.
During the year, 3,687 electric and hybrid vehicles were imported, leading to tax relief of Frw38.3 billion. Additionally, 8,665 electric motorcycles were imported, resulting in a tax waiver of Frw1.9 billion. The government also waived Frw0.1 billion in taxes on related products.
On the other hand, vehicles imported from abroad are subject to a 25% import duty on the customs value, including the cost of goods, insurance, and freight (CIF), for vehicles valued up to $60,000. Vehicles exceeding this value are excluded from the tax exemptions.
RRA’s tax revenues have steadily increased in recent years. In 2018/19, the authority collected Frw1.423 trillion; in 2019/20, it collected Frw1.516 trillion; in 2020/21, Frw1.654 trillion; in 2021/22, Frw1.91 trillion; and in 2022/23, the total reached Frw2.333 trillion.
Earlier in the day, state news agency SUNA reported that a drone attack by the RSF on a market in the Awlad Al-Reef neighborhood in El Fasher killed more than 15 people and injured many others.
“The death toll from the massacre in the Awlad Al-Reef neighborhood in El Fasher has risen to 38,” the Coordination of Resistance Committees in El Fasher, a local non-governmental group, said in a statement.
The RSF has not commented on the incident.
Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, which began in mid-April 2023, has killed more than 28,700 people and displaced over 14 million in the country, according to international organizations.
