He committed the crimes on November 13, 2024, when Minani opened fire at a bar in the Rushyarara Trading Center, Rubyiruko Village, Nyamasheke District.
The victims were identified as 17-year-old Denis Benemugabo, 20-year-old Onesphore Habumugisha, 44-year-old Zephanie Sindayiheba, 35-year-old Jonas Muhawenimana, and 51-year-old Ezra Nsekambabaye.
Prior to the shooting, Minani had reportedly argued with the bar owner over an unpaid bill.
Witnesses testified that Minani, who had been granted a 10-day leave from duty, went to the bar, where he fired 60 rounds from an SMG-3945 firearm after the disagreement.
The trial, held publicly in Rubyiruko village, was attended by both civilians and military personnel.
Minani’s legal representative, Lawyer Jean Claude Murigande, withdrew from the case, citing rejected claims of mental illness.
The court dismissed this argument, referencing a medical report that confirmed Minani was mentally fit.
The prosecution requested a life sentence, which was upheld by the court, considering the brutal nature of the killings.
Minani confessed to the crimes, expressing remorse and asking the court to take into account the violence he had endured prior to the incident.
The tribunal determined that the killings were premeditated, with Minani leaving the bar to retrieve a weapon, demonstrating intent to commit an act of revenge.
Additionally, it was found that Minani violated military regulations by using a weapon without authorization from his superiors and by stealing military equipment.
Despite the defense’s request for leniency, the court held that the extreme cruelty of killing five people warranted a harsh sentence.
However, Dr. Habineza who serves as the chairperson of DGPR was notably excluded from the parliamentary list—a decision he describes as carefully considered.
He recently spoke to IGIHE about his political journey, the challenges of the election, and his plans for the future of the Green Party.
{{Electoral defeat and party realignment}}
After the election, Dr. Habineza withdrew from the public eye, a move he attributes to his focus on restructuring his party internally.
“When you don’t win, some people feel discouraged, and it’s the leader’s responsibility to reunite and motivate the team,” he explained.
Despite the electoral loss, the DGPR remained resolute in realigning and reorganizing its structures to face future challenges.
Dr. Habineza briefly visited Sweden but returned quickly, to continue with his law studies and party responsibilities.
“During my time in Parliament, I learned a lot, but I hadn’t studied law yet. There were areas where I felt I lacked expertise, particularly in advocating for the Rwandan people. I started studying law while in Parliament, and I’m happy to say that I’m in my second year now. I’ll be finishing next year,” he shared.
{{Decision to run for president again}}
Dr. Habineza’s decision to run for president again in 2024, despite his previous defeat in 2017, was a thoughtful one.
He emphasizes that it was not driven by personal ambition but by a desire to contribute to Rwanda’s democratic development.
“We realized that although I ran in 2017 and didn’t succeed, we gained valuable insights,” he noted.
According to the 47-year-old, the DGPR’s participation in the election was about presenting a platform for their vision of national leadership.
Reflecting on the 2024 elections, Dr. Habineza observed significant improvements in the election environment.
“In 2024, the security situation was excellent,” he said, noting that local leaders were more receptive and the police provided necessary protection throughout the campaign.
{{The future}}
Despite two electoral defeats, Dr. Habineza remains committed to the political process.
“What could prevent me from running again?” he asked, emphasizing that the party’s confidence in him is a strong motivator.
He also draws inspiration from leaders like Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal, who ran for president four times before eventually succeeding.
“Running once or twice doesn’t mean giving up; it means correcting past mistakes through continued effort,” he explained.
Dr. Habineza also indicated that he is open to stepping aside if the party identifies a more capable candidate.
For now, he is focused on strengthening the party’s election strategy, particularly by increasing its representation at polling stations.
“We had plans for this, but our resources fell short,” he admitted. Improving election monitoring will be a key priority moving forward.
{{Financial challenges}}
Dr. Habineza discussed the financial challenges his party faced, explaining that five political parties contested the 2018 parliamentary elections and received about Frw100 million each.
“We used those funds to purchase a party house, which we later sold to finance the campaign,” he said.
While the sale of the property came with additional debt, he confirmed that the debts have now been settled.
Looking ahead, Dr. Habineza is hopeful that the party will be reimbursed for campaign expenses, as the law allows political parties that garner more than 5% of the vote to recover part of their costs.
“We are optimistic that we’ll receive reimbursement, which we can use to buy another property,” he said.
Dr. Habineza revealed that the party spent over Frw300 million during the 2024 election campaign.
{{Exclusion of party member from parliamentary list}}
A recent development that attracted attention was the removal of one of the DGPR’s candidate from the parliamentary list just before swearing-in.
Carine Maombi, who was second on the party’s list, was unexpectedly replaced by Jacqueline Masozera Icyizanye after issues arose regarding her candidacy.
Dr. Habineza explained, “At the last minute, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau informed us that there were issues with her candidacy.”
While the matter is under investigation, he clarified that it has not yet reached the courts, and the party considers the issue resolved for now.
According to Karua, the council rejected her application citing incomplete documentation and questioning the necessity of her involvement, sparking a strong protest from the seasoned lawyer.
In a detailed response dated December 9, 2024, Karua expressed dismay over the council’s decision, calling it an attack on her integrity and a disregard for Besigye’s constitutional right to legal representation of his choice. She criticized the council for failing to request additional documentation rather than outright rejecting her application.
“The issues raised in your letter could have been addressed if you had asked for any additional documents you required,” Karua wrote. “Instead, this decision undermines the spirit of regional cooperation and the principle of justice.”
Karua also dismissed allegations that she misrepresented herself as a practising advocate in Uganda during a December 2, 2024, court appearance. She clarified that she attended the session as a visiting jurist alongside Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who introduced her to the court as awaiting approval for her temporary licence.
The rejection comes at a critical moment in Besigye’s trial, where he and his ally, Obeid Lutale, face charges related to alleged activities undermining Uganda’s security and the illegal possession of firearms. They were controversially apprehended in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 16, 2024, while attending the launch of a book by Karua.
The duo’s trial has drawn widespread attention, with rights groups and legal experts questioning the jurisdiction of the military court over civilians and the political motivations behind the charges.
The next hearing is scheduled for December 10, 2024, following a request by Besigye’s defence team for an adjournment to allow time for Karua’s application to be processed.
Karua’s protest letter also highlighted what she described as “disparaging and personalized aspersions” on her character by the council. She urged the council to exercise its discretion under the Advocates Act judiciously and to respect regional cooperation principles, particularly within the East African Community.
Dr. Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and long-time critic of President Yoweri Museveni, has faced numerous arrests and trials over his activism. His current trial has further heightened tensions in Uganda’s political landscape.
Karua, a former Kenyan Justice Minister, was seen as a significant boost to the defence team, which includes over 50 lawyers and representatives from the Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU) and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ).
The disease, which surfaced in late October 2024, primarily affects malnourished children under five years old and presents symptoms such as fever, headache, cough, runny nose, and body ache.
The outbreak has severely impacted nine health areas within the remote Panzi health zone of Kwango Province, with Tsakala Panzi, Makitapanzi, and Kanzangi reporting the majority of cases. The outbreak coincides with the DRC’s ongoing battle against an mpox outbreak.
In a statement on Sunday, December 8, 2024, WHO said the remote and rural nature of Panzi health zone, compounded by the rainy season, has created significant logistical barriers.
“The area is rural and remote, with access further hindered by the ongoing rainy season,” WHO noted.
The health zone has no functional laboratory, requiring samples to be sent to Kinshasa for testing, further delaying diagnosis.
Efforts to pinpoint the cause of the illness are underway, with potential factors including malaria, measles, influenza, pneumonia, and COVID-19. Laboratory testing is being expedited to confirm or rule out these possibilities.
The outbreak has been worsened by malnutrition and food insecurity in the region.
To combat the crisis, rapid response teams (RRTs) from provincial and national levels have been deployed, equipped with medications and diagnostic tools. These teams are conducting active case searches, investigating community deaths, and engaging with local populations to strengthen awareness and preventive measures.
The WHO highlighted that “infection prevention and control measures are being reinforced,” with health workers receiving training and supplies to reduce transmission risks.
Surveillance efforts have also intensified, with data collection and community-based monitoring helping to track the outbreak’s dynamics.
While local risks remain high, WHO has assessed the regional and global risk as low. However, the proximity to Angola has raised concerns about potential cross-border transmission, prompting calls for enhanced coordination between the two countries.
The October 2024 report highlights a significant shift in Rwanda’s import dynamics, with imports from Kenya soaring to $121.45 million—a staggering 241.55% increase compared to September 2024 and a 361.43% rise year-on-year.
The growth propelled Kenya to the second spot among Rwanda’s top import partners, contributing 19.29% of total imports.
Meanwhile, Tanzania experienced a notable decline, with its exports to Rwanda plummeting by 39.04% month-on-month to $57.38 million, representing just 9.11% of Rwanda’s total imports.
Tanzania’s sharp drop from its previously dominant position indicates a significant shift in Rwanda’s import landscape, as it has long been Rwanda’s primary partner due to its geographical proximity and the role of the Dar es Salaam port.
Kenya’s performance has been attributed to increased trade in key commodities such as food products and manufactured goods, sectors in which it is highly competitive. By contrast, Tanzania’s decline reflects reduced trade volumes in categories like crude materials and other traditional export items.
China remains Rwanda’s top import partner, supplying $142.08 million worth of goods in October 2024. However, Kenya’s surge underscores its growing role in the regional trade landscape.
The shift also highlights Kenya’s robust trade infrastructure and strong bilateral relations with Rwanda. Enhanced trade agreements, improved logistics, and competitive pricing are likely contributing factors to Kenya’s rise.
Other notable import partners include India, the United Arab Emirates, Uganda, Malaysia, Belgium, Egypt, and Japan.
In the export market, the United Arab Emirates led as the largest destination, accounting for 67.44% of exports, despite a 15% month-on-month decline. Other notable export partners include the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Luxembourg, and Uganda.
In October 2024, Rwanda’s trade deficit stood at $363.65 million, reflecting a 7.37% decrease compared to September 2024 but an 11.89% increase compared to October 2023.
Rwanda’s total exports displayed a mixed performance during the same month. While exports declined by 12.29% month-on-month, they showed a remarkable 45.49% increase year-on-year. Domestic exports followed a similar pattern, with a 15.75% month-on-month decline but an impressive 61.81% rise year-on-year. Meanwhile, re-exports recorded modest growth, increasing by 1.63% month-on-month and 8.87% year-on-year.
Among export sectors, animal and vegetable oils, fats, and waxes stood out with exceptional growth, registering a 42.43% increase month-on-month and a staggering 6347.55% increase year-on-year. Similarly, miscellaneous manufactured articles performed strongly, growing by 23.76% month-on-month and 57.26% year-on-year.
On the imports side, total imports experienced a slight decline of 1.92% month-on-month but rose significantly by 23.99% year-on-year. The food and live animals category contributed notably to this growth, increasing by 19.21% month-on-month and 22.00% year-on-year. Additionally, chemicals and related products exhibited robust performance, with imports rising by 21.42% month-on-month and 35.15% year-on-year.
This decision was made as part of efforts to strengthen and unify the work of organizations representing the survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
According to information obtained by IGIHE, these changes had been under discussion for over five years, and the most recent meeting of the leaders of these organizations resulted in this resolution.
In a statement released to the public, IBUKA emphasized its continued commitment to ensuring that the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi is never forgotten.
“After 30 years since the Genocide was halted, the effects of the Genocide are still visible both in Rwanda and abroad. IBUKA continues to take measures to confront and address these challenges. IBUKA, in collaboration with all Rwandans and friends of Rwanda, will ensure that the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi is not forgotten, and will continue to refute those who deny or downplay the Genocide,” reads the statement in part.
“IBUKA will also continue working with the Rwandan government on the important programs of unity and reconciliation as part of efforts to build a Rwanda free from any form of discrimination,” it says.
Following the decision to merge the organizations, the General Assembly elected IBUKA’s leadership. Dr. Philbert Gakwenzire was chosen as President, Christine Muhongayire as First Vice President, Blaise Ndizihiwe as Second Vice President, and Louis de Montfort Mujyambere as General Secretary.
Aline Mpinganzima became Commissioner for youth, education, and culture, while Janvier Bayingana took on as Commissioner for remembrance, reconciliation, justice and peace building.
Monique Gahongayire was appointed Commissioner for health, social Welfare, and gender promoting whereas Evode Ndatsikira was elected Commissioner for research, development, capacity building, and investment.
IBUKA was founded in 1995 to advocate for the rights of survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, preserve its history, and ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. The organization operates in Rwanda and with other independent similar groups based abroad.
These changes affect IBUKA in Rwanda, as the IBUKA organizations in other countries will independently continue their operations as usual, while aligning their efforts with the newly merged organization in Rwanda.
AERG was established by 12 students at what was then the National University of Rwanda in 1996, and it has since expanded its reach.
GAERG was founded in 2003 with the goal of empowering organizations of Genocide survivors, collaborating with other Rwandans to fight against Genocide and other conflicts, and contributing to the development of Rwanda.
In a statement on Sunday night, the FIA, the governing body of motorsport, announced that the endeavour stems from a penalty imposed on the Dutch driver for indiscreet remarks made during a Singapore Grand Prix press conference in September.
As part of the sanction, Verstappen will engage in “work of public interest” during his visit to Kigali for the FIA Prize-Giving Gala, where he will collect his fourth consecutive Formula One World Championship trophy.
The 2024 FIA Awards ceremony, scheduled for Friday, December 13, 2024, will mark the first time the event is held in Rwanda.
The occasion will also provide a platform for Verstappen’s involvement in a development program organized by the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC).
Verstappen will assist junior competitors in the program, showcasing an FIA Affordable Cross Car—a locally built vehicle designed using FIA blueprints.
The 27-year-old’s season has been marked by both triumph and controversy. Verstappen clinched his fourth title in Las Vegas, solidifying Red Bull’s dominance in the championship.
However, he faced scrutiny after receiving a 10-second penalty in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix following a first-lap collision with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.
Despite his fiery on-track demeanour, Verstappen expressed regret over the incident, stating: “I apologized to Oscar. I never want to crash with anyone, especially not someone like Oscar, who is a great guy.”
Now, in Kigali, Verstappen’s efforts will focus on promoting motorsport accessibility and nurturing future talent—a meaningful contribution to the sport that has defined his illustrious career.
The finds, which include statues, coins, and pottery, shed new light on the history of the site during the late Ptolemaic period, the ministry said in a statement.
The mission, led by Kathleen Martinez, discovered foundation deposits beneath the southern wall of the temple’s outer enclosure.
Among the most significant finds are a small white marble statue of a woman wearing a royal crown and a limestone bust of a king wearing a “nemes” headdress.
Martinez said the female statue may depict Queen Cleopatra VII, although other archaeologists have suggested it could represent a princess due to differences in facial features, according to the statement.
The team also unearthed 337 coins, many bearing the image of Cleopatra VII, along with a variety of pottery, oil lamps, limestone vessels for storing food and cosmetics, bronze figurines, and an amulet in the shape of a scarab inscribed with the phrase “The justice of Ra has shone.”
A bronze ring dedicated to the goddess Hathor was also found.
These discoveries, along with pottery shards dating back to the late Ptolemaic period, indicate that the temple walls were constructed in the first century BC.
Martinez also announced the discovery of the remains of a Greek temple dating back to the fourth century BC, which was destroyed between the second century BC and the beginning of the AD era.
This temple is located near a deep tunnel system that runs from Lake Mariut in Alexandria to the Mediterranean Sea.
In addition, the mission uncovered a large cemetery containing 20 burial chambers, as well as a tomb with three chambers beneath the ancient Taposiris Magna lighthouse.
Inside one of these chambers, nine white marble busts and several other artifacts were found, the statement said.
Preliminary underwater excavations near the remains of the Taposiris Magna temple have also yielded human skeletal remains and a large quantity of pottery, further underscoring the historical and cultural significance of the site, according to the statement.
Guterres made the remarks through a statement released on Sunday, where he called this a historic opportunity to build a peaceful and stable future for the nation.
“The future of Syria is a matter for the Syrians to determine,” Guterres declared, highlighting the UN’s role in supporting the transition. He stated that the UN Special Envoy would work closely with all parties involved to guide Syria toward a lasting political solution.
Guterres also urged calm and restraint, stressing the importance of an orderly political transition.
“Syria’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity must be restored,” he asserted and called for upholding the rights of all Syrians. He emphasized the need to avoid violence during this critical period.
The Secretary-General underscored the necessity of an inclusive political transition that respects the aspirations of all ethnic and religious groups within Syria. He pointed out that international support must be both comprehensive and sustainable for the process to succeed.
Guterres also paid tribute to the suffering of millions of Syrians, vowing that the UN would honor the memory of those who endured the conflict. He reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to helping Syrians rebuild their nation and chart a new course.
The situation in Syria has been one of the most complex and devastating in modern history.
The conflict, which began in 2011 as part of the wider wave of Arab Spring uprisings, saw Assad’s government engage in severe repression of peaceful protests, leading to violent escalation.
Over the years, the war has involved numerous international actors, including Russia and Iran supporting the regime, and the United States and Turkey backing various opposition groups. The result has been a fractured country, with millions displaced, a humanitarian crisis, and widespread destruction.
Despite the challenges of forgoing a regular monthly salary, he saw farming as an opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of Rwandans and contribute to national development.
Uwizeyimana ventured into chili farming under Fisher Global, a Rwandan agriculture company involved in growing and exporting chili. He views the trade between China and Rwanda as a blessing, and his daily smile is a testament to his success as one of the farmers exporting to the Asian country.
As an ecologist, Uwizeyimana’s background has been instrumental in running a successful farming business that has created jobs for hundreds of local Rwandans.
Reflecting on his time studying in China, Uwizeyimana realized his dream of contributing to Rwandan development through a business that benefits local communities.
“We work with around 1,500 farmers. We provide the right seeds, technical assistance, agronomists, and training. After harvest, we dry the chili before exporting it to China,” Uwizeyimana told Xinhua in a recent interview.
Cassien Habineza, the company’s head agronomist, joined the team in 2023. He shared how much he has learned, which has benefited him personally and professionally. “With a reliable income, I’ve been able to improve my family’s welfare,” he said.
Fisher Global operates chili farms on 300 hectares across Rwanda, working with various agricultural cooperatives. Although the company specializes in chili farming, it also grows soybeans and maize, with soybeans serving as a rotational crop to maintain soil health.
According to the company, over the past three years, Fisher Global has exported between 200 and 300 metric tons of dried chili annually, with 230 tons exported last year alone. Uwizeyimana’s goal, however, is to expand exports to 1,500 metric tons of dried chili per year.
The company’s farms are mainly located in eastern Rwanda, with a presence in several districts across the country, excluding the northern regions where the climate is not conducive to chili farming.
From each hectare of chili, a farmer can harvest around 10 tons of fresh chili per season, with two growing seasons per year. Currently, the company employs approximately 31 permanent staff and around 1,200 casual laborers, including those involved in chili and onion farming and transplanting.
Uwizeyimana believes that chili farming has become a vital link between Rwanda’s agricultural sector and global markets. “When people talk about chili, they often think of China. Everyone knows that our main market is China, and we have many farmers involved,” he said.
Commercial chili farming is a relatively new concept in Rwanda, where most people once grew it on a small scale for home consumption. Today, however, it’s a lucrative industry, generating substantial income and offering significant employment opportunities, Uwizeyimana said, adding that as chili farming continues to expand, it is playing an important role in the country’s economic development and boosting the purchasing power of local communities.
Uwizeyimana expressed optimism about China’s new policy, which, effective Dec. 1, grants zero-tariff treatment to goods from the least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations. He sees the policy as a major boost for African farmers and predicts it will increase the volume of African exports to China. “This policy shows that China is a good friend of African countries,” he said.
Motivated by the new policy, Uwizeyimana plans to expand his chili farming operation to produce even larger quantities for export.
Habineza, an agronomist, also sees the policy as a boon for African farmers. “In this case, companies’ profits will increase with the zero-tax treatment policy introduced by China. I think it will also strengthen cooperation between African and Chinese companies and ease the exportation of products to the Chinese market,” he said.
However, the chili business has not been without challenges. Working with a workforce that lacks agricultural knowledge has been a significant hurdle. “We not only have to train people but also cultivate the right mindset, especially since many of our employees are young. It’s a challenge to guide them toward the right agricultural practices,” Uwizeyimana noted.
Looking ahead, Uwizeyimana is optimistic about the future of the chili business. He is confident that his efforts, along with the growing market for Rwandan chili, will continue to drive transformation in the agricultural sector and enhance the livelihoods of many.
