The discussions focused on the foundation’s work, particularly in strengthening the health sector in Africa.
A global philanthropic organization, the foundation was established in 1964 by businessman Warren Buffett.
Until 2004, it was known as the Buffett Foundation, but it was later renamed in honor of Warren Buffett’s late wife, Susan Buffett. The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation is mainly involved in charitable activities, particularly in the field of health.
Senait Fisseha, who led the delegation, is the Head of Operations at the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation.
She is also a strong friend of Rwanda, as she resides here, although she is originally from Ethiopia.
Howard G. Buffett, the son of Warren Buffett, who played a role in establishing the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, is a major partner of Rwanda.
This American billionaire has supported the creation of an international model agricultural and livestock school, with a $87.6 million investment for the construction and operations over five years, in addition to another $40 million for its ongoing support.
The Buffett Foundation has been involved in agriculture in Rwanda for some time, having committed to investing $500 million in projects aimed at advancing the agricultural sector in Rwanda since 2015.
During an interview with the national broadcaster, Sulayem discussed the preparations and highlighted his own election as FIA President in 2018, emphasizing that he made history as the first president outside of Europe to make it.
“I am the first president of this organization who was elected outside of Europe. This means that the doors are open, and they are open to the entire world. This is where everyone can find their place,” he said.
The history was supposed to continue, as he sought to ensure that these doors would also open to Africa, specifically Rwanda, thanks to the leadership of President Paul Kagame. However according to him, some individuals attempted to block this idea, questioning the country’s security.
“I have learned a lot from President Kagame. He has a wealth of experience, and I can say he doesn’t represent just Rwanda but the whole of Africa. I asked these people, ‘What evidence do you have to suggest that other members should not attend?’” he said.
“If you don’t trust the security there, at least trust the FIA. Concerns about the Marburg virus outbreak were better left to health authorities to address,” he added.
Ben Sulayem also emphasized that people should change the perception that motorsport is only for the wealthy, as the cost of participating is not as prohibitive as some might think.
He gave the example of a car made in Rwanda, demonstrating that there are no excuses for claiming that race cars are too expensive, as they are now more accessible.
This is the first time the FIA General Assembly is held in Africa, and it will also celebrate 120 years of the FIA, with awards presented to outstanding athletes in the federation’s sports.
The soldiers were part of Operation Turquoise, which was officially intended to protect Tutsi refugees who were being killed. However, instead of protecting them, the French forces assisted the Interahamwe, the defeated soldiers of the ex-FAR, and members of the Rwandan government responsible for planning the genocide massacres.
In 2005, the organizations Survie, IBUKA France, FIDH, LDH, and six genocide survivors from Bisesero had requested the court to order the French government to investigate the role of French soldiers in these killings.
These organizations stated that the French soldiers abandoned the Tutsi refugees in Bisesero, who were killed by the Interahamwe and ex-FAR soldiers between June 27 and June 30, 1994.
They further explained that they have evidence showing that, while the French soldiers knew about the massacre taking place as Tutsi refugees were being killed in Bisesero, they did nothing to stop it, despite having the ability to do so.
In 2018, a French court had decided to halt the investigation into this massacre, but after the March 2021 report by Professor Vincent Duclert, which revealed France’s involvement in the genocide, a new decision was made to resume the investigation. However, the investigation was once again suspended in October 2023.
In September 2024, the Paris Court of Appeal heard the arguments from these organizations and Bisesero Genocide survivors, who called for further investigation into the French soldiers’ role in Operation Turquoise, but the court dismissed their claims.
Eric Plouvier, the lawyer representing Survie, stated that this decision denied justice to the victims of Bisesero and the survivors.
“Investigation must continue. It is not acceptable for the court to make such a harsh decision to deny justice,” said Plouvier.
On the other hand, those involved in the operation, including General (Rtd) Jean-Claude Lafourcade, who led the mission, argued that the investigation should be ended, stating that the French soldiers committed no crimes.
The event, attended by Rwanda’s Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, representing the Government of Rwanda, along with development partners from the UK and the Netherlands, and Trademark Africa, marked the official commencement of operations for Rubavu Port. The port had been operating under a pilot phase since June 2024 by the consortium of contractors, JV Century Engineering Contractors – Yojaka India.
The state-of-the-art facility in the Nyamyumba Sector, Rubavu District, promises to enhance regional trade connecting all the adjacent towns with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) while boosting regional economic exchange opportunities.
Driving this transformative project was EPC Africa Group, through its subsidiary Century Engineering Contractors (CEC). Contracted by Trademark Africa in partnership with the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA), the project was funded by Netherlands-backed Invest International and the UK government, in collaboration with the Government of Rwanda.
As a trusted civil engineering and electromechanical contractor, CEC leveraged its expertise in marine construction expertise which allowed it to deliver the two-hectare facility to the global standards.
Speaking during the inauguration of the facility, EPC Africa Group CEO, Ferdy Turasenga said the company managed to deliver the Rubavu Port project on schedule, despite the significant challenges they faced at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.
“We are very grateful and happy today that we have handed over this historical project, the first of its kind in our country and perhaps in the sub-region of the Great Lakes region. We are thankful to the client.
“We started this project at the beginning of 2020 when COVID just knocked on the door of the world. It was a global shock, but we kept the resilience Spirit to this date,” the CEO remarked during the opening ceremony graced by Joan Wiegman, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Rwanda, and Alison Thorpe, UK High Commissioner.
The facility includes two modern terminals, one for cargo and another for passengers. The cargo terminal features advanced infrastructure, such as a wastewater treatment plant, a petrol station, and two quays capable of simultaneously handling 2X60m length vessels with a capacity of 500 deadweight tons each. The passenger terminal is equipped with modern offices and enhanced security checkpoints.
Rubavu Port is designed to handle 700,000 tons of cargo and 2.7 million passengers annually. It provides an essential waterways link between Rwanda and the DRC, offering a cost-effective alternative to road transport and streamlining cross-border exchanges and trade.
Key commodities such as cement, beverages, and agricultural products are now transported more efficiently, reducing long queues at border delays which is going to benefit passengers and traders.
The pilot phase already demonstrated the port’s impact, with businesses reporting smoother logistics and reduced transport costs. The port has also created employment opportunities, with around 150 workers currently involved in daily operations—a number projected to grow as trading activity increases.
Rubavu Port is part of Rwanda’s ambitious Lake Kivu Harbour Transport Project, which also includes planned facilities in Rusizi, Karongi, and Nkora. The ports aim to further bolster trade, tourism, and regional connectivity.
EPC Africa Group, through its construction arm “Century Engineering Contractors”, is also implementing the Rusizi project, continuing its contribution to Rwanda’s infrastructural transformation.
Beyond its work on Rubavu Port, EPC Africa Group operates several other subsidiaries that contribute to its diverse portfolio. These include Energicotel Plc, which specializes in the development, maintenance, and operation of power plants across Africa; Afrilott, focusing on commodity trading, procurement and logistics; and EPCA Development, which offers expertise in the design, supervision, and maintenance of commercial infrastructure projects, including the construction of modern and low-cost houses.
This initiative aims to support innovation in financial services while ensuring careful regulation to prevent potential risks.
CMA notes that, given the rapid pace of technological advancements globally, the financial sector in Rwanda stands to benefit immensely from these innovations. However, the Authority warns that without proper regulation, such technology could bring about unforeseen challenges.
Jerome Ndayambaje, a specialist in technology and innovation at CMA, spoke about the potential for the market to evolve over the next five years, driven by Fintech developments.
He highlighted how innovations could improve the efficiency of financial services, speed up processes, and extend access to a broader audience.
Key issues under discussion include whether Fintech can foster a savings culture, simplify investment processes, and facilitate easier access to financial products in the capital markets. More so, there’s a question of whether these technologies can assist the private sector and government in raising capital for business expansion.
The ‘Fintech Regulatory Sandbox’ is designed to help in trial financial technologies with a small group of users over a set period (usually one year) to assess their viability and impact before scaling them up.
Ndayambaje explained that this testing phase ensures that emerging technologies address existing challenges and do not cause harm to investors or the financial market.
By offering a controlled environment for experimentation, the sandbox helps in understanding the operational dynamics, benefits, and risks of new technologies. Successful innovations that demonstrate value and mitigate risks are then granted permission to operate within the broader market.
The CMA introduced this program in 2023 to provide a platform for companies in the financial technology sector to test their innovations and services, fostering Rwanda’s goal of becoming a hub for financial technology and investment.
Ndayambaje stated that this initiative aligns with Rwanda’s ambition to become a leading center for both investment and financial technology in the region.
The sandbox also serves as a platform for technology companies to expand both within Rwanda and internationally, offering a conducive environment for growth. It helps establish a culture of saving and investing, enhances service delivery, and ensures broader access to financial products for all Rwandans.
However, challenges were noted by participants in the sandbox, particularly in integrating their technologies with those of various stakeholders in the financial sector.
CMA considers these challenges manageable through continued awareness campaigns and collaboration with key partners during the testing phase.
The ‘Fintech Regulatory Sandbox’ is a critical step toward modernizing Rwanda’s financial market, improving access to capital, and facilitating financial inclusion across the country.
This initiative aims to develop a sector that employs over 400,000 Rwandans, with 69% of households in Rwanda relying on agriculture for their livelihoods.
The program focuses on increasing and processing the production of tea, vegetables, and fruits, particularly avocado and pepper, expanding and processing potatoes, boosting poultry and pig production, and increasing beef production.
Investors were introduced to the opportunities to promote a revolution in agriculture, increase production, create jobs for women and youth, expand irrigated land, and develop modern agricultural systems.
The program is linked to a five-year strategy to accelerate agricultural development (PSTA 5), which will cost Frw 7.063 billion.
Regarding tea production, MINAGRI has announced a need for an investment of $289 million to help process and develop tea-growing regions.
At least 300 million tea seedlings are required, and tea farming will be expanded to 17,000 hectares, along with building a tea processing factory in the Nyamagabe District, a region known for tea cultivation.
The tea development project must also be accompanied by road construction for better access to the farms.
The investment will benefit over 85,000 people, with production expected to rise from the 39,008,978 kilograms Rwanda harvested in 2022/2023, yielding $107 million.
Regarding animal husbandry, MINAGRI sees investment opportunities of $169.8 million, primarily in increasing poultry and pig production to boost meat and egg output.
Plans include establishing modern poultry farms, animal feed mills, modern livestock pens, and storage for animal feed, benefiting over 123,000 people and 69,953 poultry and pig farmers.
For expanding and processing potato production, Rwanda requires $63.8 million to expand farming areas and add processing facilities to meet both local and international market demands.
The project will include developing virus-free potato varieties, creating certified storage facilities, and building modern potato processing plants. Over 41,000 potato farmers and processors, along with 245,000 others in the value chain, are expected to benefit directly.
This initiative aims to address gaps in potato farming, as Rwanda currently needs 1.5 million tons annually, while it harvests 865,000 tons per year.
In terms of vegetables and fruits, particularly avocados and peppers, Rwanda requires an investment of $222.3 million, including $40.5 million for avocado farming and $181.8 million for pepper production.
Although exporting peppers and avocados internationally is a recent development for Rwanda, it has made significant progress in the past decade. In 2022/2023, Rwanda exported 3,200 tons of avocados, earning $6.5 million, compared to $440,000 from 10 years prior. The goal is to export over 14,000 tons of avocados in the next five years.
Pepper also plays a significant role in Rwanda’s exports, particularly to Asia and Europe. In 2022/2023, Rwanda exported 2,000 tons of pepper, generating $6 million, and the target is to increase exports to $48 million by 2029 through PSTA 5.
Rwanda also requires $40.2 million to improve cattle farming for meat production.
The government has selected the Gako and Gabiro areas as suitable locations for this investment, with plans to establish a modern slaughterhouse, leather processing facilities, and a system to provide livestock feed, among other developments.
The Head of State made these remarks during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Chief Justice, Domitilla Mukantaganzwa, and Deputy Chief Justice, Alphonse Hitiyaremye.
“Hoarding and misusing public resources that should serve the interests of Rwandans must end, and there is no better way to stop this than through justice,” President Kagame emphasized.
“I believe that if the laws and justice system we have are properly implemented, they can help us address these issues. […] We still have a long way to go but we are determined to get there, and as quickly as possible,” he added.
The President also acknowledged that the country’s setbacks stem from poor practices, stating, “If we unite to fight them, we can put an end to them, and our country will progress.”
The President reflected on Rwanda’s painful history of injustice, much of it shaped by divisive political dynamics that led to the loss of many lives.
Rwanda’s experienced dark past where over a million people were killed 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. This genocide resulted from decades of oppression and divisive politics, forcing many Rwandans into exile.
However, 30 years after the Genocide, Rwanda has risen from the ashes, transforming into a prosperous and resilient nation that serves as a beacon of hope and a role model for many countries worldwide.
Despite these remarkable strides, there are still individuals who harbor genocidal ideologies and continue to spread hate, and there have been reports of survivors of the Genocide being targeted and killed.
President Kagame emphasized that the path forward must be guided by the strict application of justice and the rule of law.
“There should be no substitute for justice, but where justice fails, other actions must follow,” he warned, reinforcing that the law must be the ultimate guide.
He also addressed those who continue to undermine the country’s progress, stressing the need for a collective effort to maintain peace and stability.
“There are still people who want to take us back to the past,” Kagame said, urging that those who attempt to reverse Rwanda’s progress be held accountable through justice.
The President called on leaders, especially in the judiciary, to continue building on the country’s achievements and to take further steps toward creating a more just and prosperous Rwanda.
After taking the oath of office, Mukantaganzwa thanked President Kagame for the trust placed in her and pledged to diligently fulfill her duties, working towards delivering fair and timely justice to Rwandans.
She reflected on the judicial reforms implemented after the Genocide against the Tutsi and emphasized the need for further improvements to ensure more efficient services.
Mukantaganzwa also vowed to build on the achievements of her predecessors, consolidate gains, and promote accountability and integrity as core values to uphold.
Museveni’s remarks come amid heated debates surrounding the ongoing trial of opposition leader Kizza Besigye and his associate, Obeid Lutale, in the Makindye-based General Court Martial.
President Museveni, in a detailed statement on Thursday, December 12, 2024, praised the role of the Court Martial system, referring to it as “eyokyeero,” a Runyankore term meaning reinforcement.
He attributed the establishment of military trials for civilians to the increasing activities of criminals and terrorists who have wielded weapons indiscriminately to harm Ugandans.
Museveni argued that the civilian court system, overwhelmed with a backlog of cases including murders, assaults, and land disputes, could not efficiently handle gun-related crimes.
“For stabilization, you need speed,” Museveni argued, adding that military courts provide the necessary swiftness and decisiveness to deal with armed offenders.
He stressed that such offenders, though civilians, become “soldiers” in a sense by taking up arms and should therefore face the jurisdiction of the Court Martial, which is specifically designed to handle cases involving weapons.
The president’s comments were a direct response to legal and public criticism, particularly from opposition voices, about the legality and morality of trying civilians in military courts.
Lawyers for Besigye and Lutale have described the Court Martial proceedings as illegitimate, with lead counsel Erias Lukwago labeling it a “kangaroo court.”
Besigye, a retired army officer turned opposition leader, has long been a thorn in Museveni’s side, having run against him in four contested presidential elections.
Besigye and Lutale were recently charged with endangering national security and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. Their detention followed their controversial abduction by Ugandan intelligence agents in Nairobi, Kenya, last November.
Despite protests, the two remain in custody, with their case adjourned until January 7, 2025.
Critics, including Besigye’s legal team, have argued that Ugandan law does not permit civilians to be tried in military courts, making their trial unconstitutional. They have refused to apply for bail, maintaining their stance against the court’s legitimacy.
However, Museveni defended the practice, stating that the military court system operates as a subordinate to civilian courts, with opportunities for appeal and oversight to rectify any miscarriages of justice.
“If the Court Martial judges badly, the superior courts will rectify the issue,” Museveni stated.
He also argued that military trials provide a pragmatic solution to keeping dangerous individuals off the streets.
Citing his recent tour of Karamoja, Museveni pointed to the effectiveness of military courts in addressing crime in the region. He noted that over 900 Karamojong youth, detained for gun-related crimes, were being processed by military tribunals.
The president credited this approach for the restoration of peace in the region, contrasting it with what he termed as the inefficiency of civilian courts where offenders are often “granted bail or kept on remand endlessly where they form part of the backlog of the general court system.”
Museveni proposed a referendum in districts like Karamoja to gauge public support for the military court’s jurisdiction over civilians, expressing confidence that such a measure would receive overwhelming approval.
The Besigye case, however, remains a lightning rod for dissent, with opposition leaders and activists accusing the government of weaponizing military courts to suppress political opponents.
He explained that the change comes after it was observed that some students were graduating without sufficient knowledge, while others lacked opportunities to pursue studies at international universities.
According to him, the decision was made after receiving complaints from employers about the quality of education, as some graduates lacked essential skills.
“Students and employers continued to tell us that the three-year program left students without fundamental knowledge. While we tried to adopt a model similar to that of universities in neighboring countries like Uganda and Kenya, where undergraduate programs are three years long, our assessments showed that this approach was not yielding the expected results,” Muganga said.
“We initially reduced the duration to three years due to the influence of neighboring countries, where universities offer three-year undergraduate programs. However, in Rwanda, the debate has continued on whether this program would produce graduates with the skills required by the labor market,” he added.
In 2017, UR had reduced the study duration for various programs from four years to three years. However, after five years of implementing this shorter program, the university decided to revert to the original four-year structure for all faculties.
Muganga emphasized that students should complete a minimum of 16 years of education before finishing their undergraduate degree, which includes six years of primary school, six years of secondary school, and four years of university.
Following the first cohort of students graduating from UR in 2020, research conducted with various stakeholders, including employers, teachers, and students, revealed that there were challenges with the three-year program.
The university believes that a four-year program will better equip students with the necessary knowledge in their fields of study, enhance their research skills, and prepare them to favorably compete on the job market. This change is also expected to improve students’ competitiveness both domestically and internationally.
“Education is a continuous process. As a university, we want to ensure that our programs align with international standards, offering a high-quality education that meets the global market demands,” Muganga noted.
Senator Prof. Telesphore Ngarambe highlighted the importance of adhering to the designated study period in university programs, arguing that the three-year model often did not allow students to fully grasp the required content. He stressed that a three-year program forces students to cover a vast amount of material in a short period, often compromising the depth of their learning.
Dr. Rose Mukankomeje, the Director-General of the Higher Education Council (HEC), recently informed lawmakers that some students missed opportunities to study at international universities because they had completed only three years of study.
“A student is typically required to complete 480 credits to earn an undergraduate degree. This means that over four years, a student should accumulate at least 100 credits per year. In three years, it becomes challenging for students to meet this requirement, which negatively impacts their chances of acceptance at international universities,” she said.
On the other hand, teachers have pointed out that the three-year study period made it difficult to cover the necessary course material and provide students with the knowledge required for success in the job market.
While it remains unclear if Xi has accepted, the mere possibility of his presence is generating significant buzz in political circles and even on social media.
Inviting a foreign leader—particularly one representing a major geopolitical rival—to a U.S. presidential inauguration is highly unusual. Historically, foreign dignitaries have attended these events, but never has a leader of Xi’s stature been asked to witness the transfer of power firsthand.
CNB, citing multiple sources, reported on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, that President-elect Donald Trump extended the invitation to Xi Jinping shortly after his November 5 election victory. The Chinese embassy in Washington has not commented on the matter, leaving analysts and observers speculating about Xi’s potential response.
What is certain, however, is that Trump’s relationship with Xi, while complex, seems to be entering a new phase. Shortly after his election victory, Xi congratulated Trump, expressing hope for a “stable, healthy, and sustainable” relationship between the U.S. and China.
“China and the U.S. will benefit from cooperation and lose from confrontation,” Xi stated.
Proponents argue that Trump’s move could signal a willingness to reset relations between the world’s two largest economies.
Indian tech influencer Manoj Kumar reacted on X, saying, “Interesting move by Trump! Inviting Xi Jinping could signal an intent to improve or at least stabilize U.S.-China relations right from the start of his new term. It will be key to see if Xi accepts and how this impacts international dynamics.”
During Trump’s first term between 2017 and 2021, the U.S.-China trade war heightened tensions, with tariffs and accusations of unfair trade practices dominating the bilateral agenda. Trump has vowed stricter tariffs in his second term, including a 10% levy on Chinese imports unless Beijing takes action on fentanyl trafficking.
Despite this history, Trump maintains that he shares a “good rapport” with Xi, recently revealing that they had communicated earlier this week.
Critics, however, remain sceptical. Shahzad Saleem, a netizen, commented, “Trump’s invitation to Xi Jinping is a bold move, but it’s hard to ignore the irony. For a leader who campaigned on being tough on China, this feels more like rolling out the red carpet for geopolitical theatre.”
This development comes amid heightened tensions in U.S.-China relations, with ongoing trade disputes, restrictions on critical exports, and clashes over technology policies. Beijing has cautioned against “mutually destructive tariff wars,” while Xi continues to call for “peaceful coexistence.”
Whether Xi Jinping accepts Trump’s invitation or not, the gesture underscores Trump’s unpredictable diplomatic strategies. As inauguration day approaches, the global community will watch closely to see how this bold overture unfolds—and what it means for U.S.-China relations moving forward.
