Father Balthazar Gafuku’s life was filled with extraordinary events. Born in 1885 to Kamurama and Nyirahabimana in the Zaza Mission, now part of the Kibungo Diocese, Gafuku faced significant health challenges as a child.
His parents, believing he had passed away after serious illness, abandoned him in a swamp. He was later discovered and rescued by missionary priests who took him in, providing him with education and guidance that would eventually lead him to the priesthood. This occurred during the reign of King Kigeli IV Rwabugiri.
According to sources, Gafuku received his catechism education in Zaza and, at the age of 18, was baptized in Mibirizi, which was part of Cyangugu at the time.
His journey to the priesthood began in July 1904, when Bishop Joseph Hirth, who had established the Catholic Church in Rwanda, welcomed Gafuku, Donat Reberaho, and other young men, including Joseph Bugondo and Pierre Ndegeya, into the seminary at Hangiro in Bukoba, later relocated to Kyanja-Rubia in Tanzania.
Gafuku and Reberaho completed their studies in the minor seminary from 1904 to 1909. From 1909 to 1910, they pursued philosophy, and from 1910 to 1913, they studied theology. Gafuku was ordained as a deacon on October 8, 1916, alongside Reberaho. A year later, on October 7, 1917, both men were ordained as priests by Bishop Hirth at the Kabgayi Cathedral.
Father Gafuku went on to serve in various capacities throughout his priesthood, including assignments at the Kabgayi Major Seminary and in the Nyundo Diocese. In 1930, he was assigned to serve in Mibilizi, where he had been baptized. He returned to Kabgayi two years later and in 1941 was assigned to Mugombwa, where he celebrated his 25th anniversary as a priest.
Father Gafuku passed away on June 14, 1959, at the age of 74, from a cerebral hemorrhage. He was buried in Mugombwa in the Diocese of Butare, with Bishop André Perraudin presiding over his burial.
Father Donat Reberaho, born in Save in 1884, was baptized on December 25, 1903. He was ordained as a priest on the same day as Father Gafuku. He passed away on May 1, 1926, at the age of 41.
The Catholic Church in Rwanda continued to grow after their ordinations. In 1952, Monsignor Aloys Bigirumwami became the first Rwandan bishop.
On November 28, 2020, Antoine Cardinal Kambanda, the Archbishop of Kigali, was appointed as Rwanda’s first cardinal, further cementing Rwanda’s place in the global Catholic community.
This prestigious event will bring together global tea industry stakeholders to discuss innovations, sustainability, and the future of tea production and trade in Africa.
From the rolling hills of the Northern, Western and Northern regions where tea is grown, to the vibrant marketplaces in Kigali, tea has long been woven into the fabric of Rwandan agriculture and economy. This October, Rwanda will elevate its status in the global tea industry by hosting this high profile event.
NAEB’s Chief Executive Officer Mr. Claude Bizimana said that Rwanda is honored to once again host the Africa Tea Convention following the successful 2nd African Tea Convention in 2013.
“Rwanda is happy to showcase its high-quality tea industry, which is built on good governance, modernized processes, and the adoption of advanced technologies. This convention provides a unique opportunity to engage, share insights, and shape the future of Africa’s tea sector,” he said.
With a legacy of quality tea production and a vision for sustainable growth, Rwanda has placed itself as the ideal host for this prestigious gathering of global tea industry stakeholders.
To be held under the theme, ‘Harmony in the Cup: Promoting Tea for People and the Planet,’ this tea’s exhibition reflects the urgent need for the tea sector to adapt to rapidly changing global markets, consumer preferences, and environmental realities.
As climate change continues to challenge traditional farming practices, African tea producers, particularly in East Africa, are seeking solutions to ensure both the sustainability and competitiveness of their industry. This discussion will be key at the convention.
The convention will serve as a crucial platform for discussing how technology and sustainable farming methods can revolutionize tea production, increase yields, and improve quality while minimizing the environmental footprint.
As global consumers grow increasingly conscious of where their food and beverages come from, the demand for ethically produced and environmentally friendly tea is on the rise.
Delegates will have the opportunity to explore how African tea producers can capitalize on this trend by adopting sustainable farming practices that not only reduce carbon emissions but also improve soil health and conserve water resources.
From modernizing production techniques to using cutting-edge technology for quality control, African tea producers stand to benefit from advancements that can increase efficiency and improve profitability.
The convention will feature exhibitions showcasing the latest tools and technologies designed to enhance every stage of the tea value chain, from cultivation to packaging.
George Omuga, Managing Director of EATTA, emphasized the importance of unity in the tea industry. “It reflects our commitment to sustainability, climate resilience, and the socio-economic contributions of tea to Africa.” he said.
“We are grateful to the Government of Rwanda, RTA and sponsors for their unwavering support in organizing this event. This convention is a platform not only for dialogue but also for celebrating the African tea industry’s achievements,” he explained.
This event will undoubtedly shine a spotlight on the country’s own tea industry, which has grown significantly over the years. Rwanda’s reputation for producing high-quality tea, especially black tea, has made it a key player in the global market.
Beyond the immediate economic benefits of the convention, hosting such a significant event further cements Rwanda’s position as a hub for agricultural innovation and trade in Africa.
This year’s event will also underscore the critical role tea plays in Africa’s economic development.
“Tea is not just a crop; it’s a lifeline for millions. “The tea industry provides employment opportunities, uplifts rural communities, and contributes significantly to GDP and foreign exchange earnings.” said Omuga.
For Rwanda, the 6th Africa Tea Convention and Exhibition is not just an opportunity to share insights and foster collaborations but also a chance to showcase its commitment to sustainable agriculture and position itself as a leader in the future of the African tea industry.
As the world turns its attention to Kigali on October 9, 2024, the conversations and connections made during the convention will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of African tea for decades to come.
For more information and registration for the event, visit www.africateaconvention.com
Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” due to its picturesque, hilly landscape, Rwanda has garnered global attention for its homegrown solutions that have paved the way for its people to prosper.
Its commitment to development, innovative governance, and national reconciliation has been coupled with a deep respect for cultural identity.
This has brought the spotlight not only to its history and landscapes but also to its deep-rooted cultural heritage, a significant part of which is woven with mythical legends and stories that have been passed down through generations.
Alongside the country’s scenic beauty, rich biodiversity, and historical sites, the vibrant culture of Rwanda adds another dimension that draws both attention and admiration.
And within this culture, mythical characters that have defined traditional Rwandan folklore stand as important symbols that tell stories of morality, bravery, trickery, and wisdom.
{{Gihanga: The Founder of Rwanda}}
Gihanga is considered the legendary founder of the Kingdom of Rwanda. According to oral tradition, he is credited with introducing several foundational elements of civilization to the African Great Lakes region, including fire, cattle, metalworking, hunting, woodworking, and pottery. His story is one of grandeur, mixing leadership, spirituality, and innovation, making him an iconic figure in Rwandan folklore.
Legend has it that Gihanga was born from the union of two lineages, both with celestial connections. His paternal lineage is traced back to Kigwa, a heavenly being who descended to earth to establish the royal line in Rwanda. Gihanga’s mother, on the other hand, was believed to have descended from a more earthly lineage, connecting him to both divine and human origins.
From his father, Kazi, Gihanga learned the art of blacksmithing, which was essential for the development of Rwandan society. His life, according to oral tradition, was one of movement and learning. He lived in several places during his childhood, including the village of Mubari in the east and his maternal uncle’s village in Bugoyi, located in the northwest of Rwanda.
The reign of Gihanga is thought to have occurred in the 11th century, marking the establishment of the Kingdom of Rwanda. Though no physical evidence exists to support the historical accuracy of Gihanga’s life, many Rwandans firmly believe in his existence. His genealogy has been recorded in a book titled Inganji Kalinga, written by Monsignor Alexis Kagame, a prominent figure in Rwandan historical literature.
Gihanga’s legacy is not just about leadership but also about innovation and spirituality. He was succeeded by his son, Kanyarwanda Gahima, and his remains were believed to have been buried in Muganza, Rukoma, where his legend continues to inspire Rwandans.
{{Ngunda: The Man of Unmatched Strength and Greed}}
Ngunda is another mythical figure whose name resonates across Rwanda. Known for his immense physical strength and insatiable greed, Ngunda was a man of extremes. His legend is that of a man who tilled the land with such power and ate with such hunger that he left a lasting mark on the landscape.
The hills of Rwanda are said to be the mounds resulting from Ngunda’s tireless work. His ancestral land was located in Rubona and Musasu, but his ownership stretched as far as Nyundo in Bugoyi, a region now part of Rubavu District.
One of the most famous stories about Ngunda involves his visit to his father-in-law, Mirenge. As a gesture of goodwill, Ngunda offered to help cultivate the land. Mirenge gave him 50 hoes, thinking it would be sufficient for the task. But Ngunda’s strength was so great that he wore down all 50 hoes in a single day, leaving them unusable.
When it came time for dinner, Ngunda astonished his hosts by devouring an entire cow, several baskets of bread, and countless jars of beer, yet he was still not satisfied. His voracious appetite, like his strength, knew no limits.
Despite his remarkable contributions to cultivating Rwanda’s land, little is known about Ngunda’s origins or when he died. His legacy endures, however, in the tales of his strength and the landscapes he is said to have shaped.
{{Semuhanuka and Muhanuka: The Masters of Deception}}
Semuhanuka and his son, Muhanuka, are legendary figures in Rwanda known for their skill in deception. The father-son duo is renowned for their ability to weave elaborate lies, often competing to see who could tell the most outrageous story.
One famous tale recounts how Muhanuka, after stepping outside to relieve himself, returned to his father holding his head in pain. When asked what had happened, Muhanuka claimed he had hit his head on the sky. His father complimented the creativity of the lie but urged him to consider other options, as the exaggeration was too much.
The stories of Semuhanuka and Muhanuka serve as humorous anecdotes in Rwandan folklore, highlighting the art of storytelling and exaggeration. While their lives remain shrouded in mystery, their legendary lies are remembered to this day, offering a glimpse into the playful side of Rwandan culture.
{{Ndabaga: The Heroine Who Defied Tradition}}
Ndabaga is one of the most celebrated female figures in Rwandan folklore. Born in the early 1700s as the only child of Nyamutezi from Bwishaza, Ndabaga’s story is one of courage, resilience, and defiance of traditional gender roles.
During her time, Rwandan law required men to serve in the king’s army until they could be replaced by their sons. As Nyamutezi had no sons, his fate was to die in service to the king.
But Ndabaga, determined to save her father from such a fate, took matters into her own hands. She trained herself in the art of combat, pushing her body to its limits until she could fight as well as, if not better than, any man.
To replace her father in the army, Ndabaga had to conceal her gender, even going so far as to flatten her breasts to disguise herself as a boy. Her bravery paid off, and she eventually took her father’s place in the king’s service.
In recognition of her extraordinary courage, Ndabaga was rewarded with cattle, a gesture that sparked jealousy among the men of her village. Her story is immortalized in the Rwandan saying, “Ibintu byageze iwa Ndabaga,” symbolizing the act of seeking unexpected solution to a difficult situation.
{{Mwungeri: The Man of Integrity}}
Mwungeri, the son of Nyankaka, lived in Gisali, Kinazi, and is remembered for his integrity and honesty. However, these qualities made him the target of jealousy from those around him. His detractors refused to lend him a bull for breeding, forcing his cows to mate with a mystical bull from the underworld.
This act of jealousy backfired, as Mwungeri’s herd multiplied rapidly, bringing him prosperity. But his good fortune did not last forever. One night, a man named Gashubi sneaked into Mwungeri’s home and committed adultery with his wife.
When Gashubi stepped outside, he witnessed the mystical bull performing its task. Terrified, he screamed, and in that moment, everyone in the compound—including the cows—vanished into the earth. A pond appeared where they had stood, which remains to this day.
The story of Mwungeri gave rise to the saying “Yakanze Rutenderi,” used to caution people about causing unintended harm.
{{Sebwugugu: The Fool Who Missed Opportunities}}
Sebwugugu is a figure in Rwandan folklore who is remembered for his foolishness and impulsiveness. Constantly at odds with his wife, Sebwugugu’s reckless behavior often resulted in missed opportunities for his household, especially during times of famine.
One well-known tale recounts how Sebwugugu, after miraculously receiving peas from a rock during a biting famine, became arrogant and greedy. Instead of appreciating the slow but steady flow of peas, he struck the rock with a hot spear, hoping to force more peas to come out. His impatience, however, led to the flow stopping altogether.
Sebwugugu’s wife, on the other hand, was a brave woman. In one story, she even killed a wild beast that had devoured her husband. Recognizing her courage, the king decided to marry her.
Sebwugugu’s story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of impatience and greed, reminding Rwandans of the importance of humility and foresight.
{{Ngarama: The Slayer of Saruhara}}
Ngarama is a cunning figure in Rwandan folklore who became famous for killing Saruhara, a formidable bird that terrorized the kingdom. Saruhara was not a man, as some might mistakenly believe, but an eagle known for attacking those who brought offerings to the royal court.
Ngarama, a servant of the king, devised a clever plan to defeat the bird. He covered himself with a blood-stained skin and lay in wait. When Saruhara attacked, Ngarama struck it down with a metal-tipped club, killing it.
The rock where Saruhara was slain is known as “Urutare rwa Ngarama” (Ngarama’s Rock) and still bears this name. Ngarama was greatly rewarded for his bravery, becoming wealthy and prosperous. His story is a testament to the power of wit and bravery in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.
{{Nyiransibura: The Legend Who Birthed Lake Kivu}}
Nyiransibura is a mythical figure believed to have created Lake Kivu during the reign of King Ndahiro III Cyamatare, according to Rwanda’s oral traditions. She was the daughter of Muriro, a figure from Bunyabungo (present-day Democratic Republic of Congo), and was abducted by King Ndahiro. Upon her arrival at the king’s palace, Nyiransibura was assigned cleaning duties.
One day, while the king was in a meeting, a strange noise was heard. His advisors attributed it to witchcraft from Nyiransibura’s people, who they believed were trying to rescue her. Fearing retaliation, they chose to return her to her homeland rather than kill her.
During the journey, the envoys reached Kinyaga (modern-day Rusizi), where a rainmaker welcomed and married her. The couple settled happily in the plains. When Nyiransibura gave birth, the rupture of her placenta caused a flood that filled the plain, creating what is now Lake Kivu. Her home became an island, now known as Ijwi.
Nyiransibura’s son, Nsibura, stayed with her, tending to his father’s cattle. However, he harbored a desire to avenge his mother’s abduction by King Ndahiro.
Nyiransibura’s legend has been passed down through generations, remaining an integral part of Rwanda’s folklore.
{{Nyirarunyonga: The Miserly Woman}}
Nyirarunyonga was known for her stinginess and cruelty, despite her wealth. Her miserly nature was well-known among her sons and daughters-in-law. In one infamous incident, she gave her daughter-in-law, Murorunkwere, a single bean to cook and serve to the laborers.
When the pot was opened, the water splashed out, and Nyirarunyonga accused Murorunkwere of theft, sending her back to her family in disgrace. She was eventually replaced by her younger sister, who famously responded to Nyirarunyonga’s cruelty with a calm, unimpressed demeanor.
Nyirarunyonga’s story also includes a darker moment when she was caught having an inappropriate relationship with her grandson.
When confronted by father who caught them red handed, the boy told his father, “If you beat me this much for helping the old woman with her problem just once, how many times should I beat you for everything you do to my mother?”
This shocking revelation further tarnished her legacy, cementing her place in Rwandan folklore as a symbol of greed and moral failure.
{{Joriji Baneti: The Obedient but Odd Child}}
Joriji Baneti was an extraordinary child whose impulsive behavior perplexed and astonished many. Known for his obedience despite his odd ways, Joriji’s story is filled with humorous yet strange incidents.
He was infamous for breaking utensils, tearing his clothes, getting bitten by pigs, yanking doors off their hinges, and more. He was however obedient. One notable incident was when his mother sent him to borrow a pot to cook meat from Veronika in Gacyamo. Instead of carrying it on his head, Joriji tied a rope to the pot and dragged it along the ground, scraping it the entire way.
Another story recounts how, when his mother went to buy salt, Joriji saw her leave and immediately started causing trouble. When a hen became startled and cried out while sitting on its eggs, Joriji chased and killed it, fearing it would report him for spilling flour. Afterward, he sat on the eggs himself, pretending to be the hen!
Despite all his mischief, Joriji Baneti ended up saving his mother’s life. While hiding with her from thieves in a tree, he released a door that crushed the thieves, making them flee and abandon the money they were counting.
Joriji and his mother then came down to collect it. However, no one knows where Joriji lived, nor when he existed, making him a mysterious figure in Rwandan folklore.
These figures are widely known across Rwanda, even though their stories have been wrapped in mystery and legend for centuries.
In an announcement made public on Sunday, RGB called on leaders of faith-based organizations to enforce these safety measures in places of worship and urged worshippers to adhere to the guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus.
The guidelines include promoting awareness among congregants about the risks of the Marburg virus, setting up handwashing stations with soap and water or appropriate sanitizers, and conducting temperature checks for everyone entering churches and mosques.
Additionally, the guidelines call for the safe administration of Holy Communion to prevent transmission, advising against physical contact with individuals showing symptoms of Marburg, touching their belongings or the body of someone who has died from the virus.
Conducting farewell rituals for the deceased in churches or mosques has been prohibited. The guidelines also discourage large gatherings or funerals that could increase the risk of transmission.
According to the Ministry of Health, as of Sunday, 12 people had died from the Marburg virus out of the 49 reported cases. Twenty-nine individuals are receiving treatment, while eight others have recovered.
Marburg is a highly contagious disease that causes severe fever and can be fatal. It is caused by a virus and shares initial symptoms with other illnesses, such as malaria and typhoid.
The primary symptoms of the Marburg virus include high fever, severe headaches, muscle pain, extreme fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The besieged Kenyan second-in-command, widely reported to have fallen out with his boss, William Ruto, pleaded with the Head of State to pardon him if he and his spouse, Dorcas Rigathi, had done anything to offend him.
“I want to say to my brother President William Ruto, if, in our zeal to work, I have wronged you, please find it in your heart to forgive me. If my spouse, in her duties with the boy child, has wronged you in any way, please find it in your heart to forgive her,” Gachagua pleaded during a church service at the National Prayer Altar in Nairobi.
Gachagua also made a similar passionate appeal to members of Parliament in an attempt to make amends ahead of the consideration of his impeachment motion.
In an apparent reference to his controversial remarks that the government was like a company where those who voted for the current administration hold more shares than others, Gachagua pleaded with Kenyans to pardon him, insisting that he did not mean to cause ethnic divisions but intended to appreciate those who voted for him and Ruto into power.
“Probably, you find that in appreciating our people and the support they gave the president and I, our utterances made you feel uncomfortable; we did not mean bad; we were appreciating the people who voted for us. If you feel that we rubbed you the wrong way, please find it in your heart to forgive me,” he further appealed.
Gachagua is facing ouster two years after assuming office in a joint ticket with President Ruto.
The impeachment motion, tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, lists 11 grounds for his removal from office.
Among the charges are allegations of dividing Kenyans along ethnic lines, undermining President Ruto’s administration, and other state agencies.
Other charges include amassing wealth illegally, bullying, and intimidating state officers. In one incident, Gachagua allegedly intimidated a contractor to divert materials meant for the construction of a public road to tarmac a private road leading to his beach resort in Kenya’s coastal region.
Parliament approved the motion to table and debate it after garnering signatures from 291 MPs. Public participation for the motion was conducted on Friday and Saturday ahead of the debate on Tuesday.
The motion must garner the support of 233 MPs, representing two-thirds of the total 349 MPs, before being transmitted to the Senate for consideration.
Gachagua, who brought in significant votes for Ruto from Kenya’s populous Mt. Kenya region in the August 2022 election, insists that he is innocent. He has dismissed the impeachment plot as a political witch hunt.
Muhoozi was cautioned by the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee that any further provocation would be “very problematic” and met with “a serious response.”
In posts on X on Friday, Muhoozi gave Ambassador Popp an ultimatum to issue a personal apology to his father by Monday October 7 at 9 am.
Muhoozi claimed that the ambassador had exhibited undiplomatic behaviour, accused him of disrespecting President Museveni, and warned of a “serious confrontation.” The tweets have since been deleted.
The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee responded directly to the deleted posts, emphasising that any further escalation could lead to significant consequences.
“Any further confrontation will be very problematic & met with a serious response,” the committee stated, clarifying that the US Ambassador and the US mission in Uganda engage with the Ugandan government on a non-partisan basis to foster stronger ties between the American and Ugandan people.
{{Genesis}}
The root cause of Muhoozi’s online tirade remains unclear. However, speculation suggests it may have been triggered by an alleged letter from Ambassador Popp, reportedly advising President Museveni against seeking re-election in 2026 due to concerns about Uganda’s stability and the broader region.
Meanwhile, the US government also imposed sanctions this week on four Ugandan police officers over human rights violations. The officers are Bob Kagarura, Alex Mwine, Elly Womanya, and Hamdani Twesigye.
President Museveni, once considered a vital ally to the West for regional security, has indicated his interest in extending his presidency beyond its current 40-year span. Muhoozi had previously signaled a desire to succeed his father but has recently called on his supporters to back Museveni’s continued rule.
In response to the escalating situation, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller addressed the sanctions imposed on the four Ugandan police officers for “gross violations of human rights,” including torture and inhumane treatment.
Miller reaffirmed that the United States remains dedicated to working with the Ugandan authorities on a broad array of issues and remains committed to upholding justice and accountability for human rights violations worldwide. This includes denying travel visas to individuals with a record of abuse.
The US Embassy in Uganda reiterated Miller’s remarks, stating that the embassy, Ambassador Popp, and the US government continue their usual operations and collaborations with Ugandan officials.
On Saturday 5, during a closed-door meeting of Heads of State, Tshisekedi was represented by Bestine Kazadi, Minister of Francophonie. This has been widely viewed as a deliberate and tactical move to avoid a possible meeting with his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame.
Tshisekedi also missed the heads of state luncheon at Petit Palais. In the early afternoon, he was seen at the airport, with close associates noting that he was unhappy and frustrated by Macron’s handling of the DRC-Rwanda crisis.
A DRC representative was quoted as saying that Macron’s diplomacy disappointed his boss, because despite having a positive meeting with Tshisekedi, Macron later delivered a speech that did not meet his expectations.
Congolese officials returning from Paris were angry, claiming that Macron was trying to appease Kagame and that the events in Paris felt more like a “Rwanda summit,” given that the OIF is led by Rwandan Louise Mushikiwabo.
Meanwhile Macron has revealed that he had planned to bring together President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and his DRC counterpart for interactive discussions but this did not happen.
During a presser marking the end of the two-day summit, Macron expressed his commitment to resolving the issues between Rwanda and the DRC. However, Macron explained that Tshisekedi declined an opportunity where a possible meeting with Kagame would happen, citing the strained relations between Rwanda and the DRC.
When asked by a journalist whether France was continuing its efforts to mediate between Rwanda and the DRC, Macron confirmed this and mentioned that he had met with Félix Tshisekedi on October 4 and with Paul Kagame on the morning of October 5.
The French President revealed that in these meetings, he informed both leaders that France and La Francophonie desired peace and security to return to eastern DRC.
DRC officials described the Friday with talks Tshisekedi as positive but expressed their desire for Macron to take a stronger stance in favour of the DRC.
“We understand that Macron wants to mediate, but if that’s the case, he should not be biased. He condemned Rwanda, which is good. But we are asking him to go further and impose sanctions,” Tshisekedi’s representative said
He added that the DRC expected Macron to fully support their position, much like he had with Morocco in its dispute with Algeria.
Throughout the summit, Macron emphasized that France and the OIF were urging both the DRC and Rwanda to continue the Luanda dialogue to achieve peace. He also mentioned that he had conveyed this message to both Kagame and Tshisekedi during their meetings.
“We are clear that France calls for the dismantling of the FDLR and all other armed groups in the DRC, and for hate speech to cease. We also urge political dialogue with M23 and other political actors to pave the way to peace,” Macron said.
During the talks between Macron and Kagame on Saturday, which lasted over an hour, Jeune Afrique reported that Kagame presented Rwanda’s position on the issues with the DRC, stating that Rwanda was open to dialogue aimed at resolving the conflict.
Rwanda’s position on the matter remained unchanged, insisting that the DRC must sever ties with and dismantle the FDLR, while Rwanda would also scale back its security measures.
{{Macron calls for FDLR’s dismantling, M23’s return to negotiations}}
President Macron urged the disbanding of the FDLR, a rebel group operating in eastern DRC, and called for the M23 to return to political negotiations with the DRC government.
The plan to dismantle the FDLR has been a key point in discussions between Rwandan and DRC ministers since they met in Luanda in March 2024, with Angola as a mediator.
While it was anticipated that on September 14, 2024, the delegations from both countries would sign Angola’s plan for dismantling the FDLR, the DRC representatives rejected it, despite the known collaboration between DRC forces and the FDLR in fighting M23.
A ceasefire between the M23 and the DRC government forces is another major issue in Luanda talks, although M23 has expressed that it is not bound by these decisions, as it has not participated in the negotiations.
M23’s absence from the talks was prompted by the DRC government’s refusal to engage with them. The group was excluded from the Nairobi talks led by the East African Community, with the DRC accusing them of reigniting conflict, despite M23 denying the accusations.
Angola recently urged DRC representatives to agree to talks with M23, but the DRC again rejected this, stating that it would not negotiate with a group it labels as a terrorist organization.
After the failed talks on September 14, it is expected that Rwandan and DRC delegations will reconvene in Luanda later in October 2024. This was confirmed by Angola’s ambassador to the UN, Francisco José da Cruz, on September 30, 2024.
In a recent media address, the minister stated that the use of shared helmets by pillion passengers, especially those showing symptoms, could increase the risk of spreading the virus. He urged individuals exhibiting symptoms to avoid motorcycles and seek emergency help from the ministry immediately.
“People have asked us whether it’s possible to contract the virus from using a taxi motor helmet that has been worn by someone else. If a person is showing symptoms, especially high fever, painful headache, or muscle aches, they should not be getting on a moto or wearing a shared helmet. Doing so could increase the risk of spreading the virus.
“What you should do instead is call the emergency helpline so that we can assist you and prevent the virus from becoming life-threatening,” Dr. Nsanzimana advised.
He called for increased hygiene in the sector, including the cleaning of helmets before use as a precautionary measure.
“As for the helmet itself, there is no immediate concern. However, as a precaution, anyone using a shared helmet should clean it before use,” the minister added.
Dr. Nsanzimana noted that hygiene practices had proved successful in containing previous outbreaks, such as COVID-19.
“During COVID-19, we adopted practices of maintaining hygiene—not just with the helmets but also in public spaces like seating areas, toilets, and other high-contact surfaces. We must continue to be vigilant, especially in places where someone with the virus might have been, to avoid contracting it through direct contact,” he added.
He argued that imposing stricter measures, including suspending the use of the popular means of transport, was not “necessarily the solution.”
“Stopping the use of taxi motors isn’t necessarily the solution; instead, we should encourage people to use them in a safe and hygienic manner,” he added.
“The Rwandan government has made it a priority to fight every outbreak using all available resources to avoid harsher restrictions. Our goal is to manage the situation alongside normal activities without resorting to uncomfortable measures.”
Meanwhile, the minister announced on Sunday that Rwanda had initiated vaccination trials for Marburg. The initial phase targets healthcare workers directly involved in treating patients, as well as individuals who have contracted the virus.
The Ministry of Health indicated that the country had received 700 vaccines on October 5, 2024, and various agencies had already assessed them, allowing individuals on the list of those at high risk of infection to start receiving these vaccines.
“The vaccines arrived [in Rwanda] last night, and they have been verified by the relevant authorities here in Rwanda and the National Immunization Program, who have assessed them and are preparing them so that today we can begin vaccinating those who are most at risk of this outbreak,” Dr. Nsanzimana stated.
Rwanda has so far confirmed 46 cases, 12 deaths, and five recoveries from Marburg disease. Cumulative tests conducted have surpassed 1,700.
Dr. Thierry Roels, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Country Director in Rwanda, confirmed that the shipment of the consignment was completed on Friday, October 4, 2024.
“The U.S. government has completed an initial shipment of therapeutic and vaccine doses to support Rwanda in the first days of its response to the emergence of the Marburg virus in Kigali,” Roels said on Saturday, October 5, 2024, without revealing the number of doses delivered.
Roels indicated that the U.S. government is working closely with international partners and Rwanda’s Ministry of Health to initiate clinical trials for evaluating investigational countermeasures. The U.S. is also considering additional shipments that would supply the trials.
The delivery of the consignment comes days after Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, confirmed plans to roll out therapeutic clinical trials for the vaccination and treatment of the highly contagious disease.
Among the vaccines being evaluated is one developed by the Sabin Vaccine Institute, a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. Early-stage human trials have demonstrated that the vaccine is safe and triggers an immune response.
On Saturday, the Sabin Vaccine Institute announced the delivery of approximately 700 doses to Rwanda for a trial targeting frontline workers, including healthcare professionals.
“In response to a request from the government of Rwanda and the Ministry of Health to support its ongoing Marburg outbreak response, we have provided an initial shipment of 700 investigational Marburg vaccine doses to be used in a trial targeting frontline workers. We dispatched the shipment within seven days of first being contacted for assistance, thanks to our many partners,” the organization said in a statement.
“We are prepared to supply additional vaccines pending a request from Rwandan officials and authorization from BARDA, which is funding our current research and development efforts.”
In addition to vaccination efforts, Gilead Sciences, an American biopharmaceutical company based in Foster City, California, announced on Thursday that it would donate approximately 5,000 vials of its antiviral drug, remdesivir, to Rwanda for emergency use in response to the outbreak.
Rwanda has so far confirmed 46 cases, 12 deaths, and five recoveries from Marburg disease. Cumulative tests conducted have surpassed 1,700.
Initial symptoms of Marburg virus disease include high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, and fatigue, followed by gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. As the disease progresses, it can lead to severe hemorrhaging, organ failure, and shock.
To prevent infection, health experts recommend maintaining strict hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing and avoiding contact with personal items or bodily fluids of individuals showing Marburg-like symptoms.
This issuance offers investors a unique opportunity to participate in Rwanda’s first-ever green bond, adding a new asset class for enhanced portfolio diversification. The bond is open for reoffering until 17 October 2024 and will be listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange.
The green bond has undergone external verification by IBIS ESG Consulting Africa, which provided a Second Party Opinion (SPO) confirming that it meets the International Capital Market Association’s (ICMA) updated Green, Social, and Sustainability Bond Principles issued in June 2021.
Speaking at the Prime Energy Investor Day held at the Rukarara Hydropower plant in Musanze District, Mr. Tsheole emphasized the significance of this milestone for Rwanda’s capital market, particularly in offering alternative financing options. He praised Prime Energy for their pioneering role, stating, “I am proud of this milestone by Prime Energy, as it reflects our collective commitment to sustainable development.”
The transaction was supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, which worked closely with Prime Energy to structure the green bond. The IFC’s advisory support is part of a broader initiative to facilitate access to long-term local currency finance for key sectors in Rwanda.
CEO Tsheole also emphasized CMA’s role in ensuring that Rwanda’s capital markets function transparently and efficiently, while protecting investors by enforcing disclosure requirements.
‘At CMA, we ensure that our capital markets operate efficiently and transparently, and we focus on protecting the interests of investors by ensuring the issuer complies with the requirements by making all the necessary disclosures to allow investors to make informed investment decisions. We are however taking a developmental approach to regulating capital markets,’’ he said.
He further encouraged other sectors within Rwanda’s economy to explore the potential of green bonds as a means of attracting investments into renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and other climate-friendly initiatives.
Prime Energy currently operates four hydropower plants in Rwanda’s Western, Southern, and Northern Provinces, under 25-year concession agreements with the Government of Rwanda, and power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Energy Utility Corporation Limited (EUCL).
