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The angel went forth to tell her that she would conceive and give birth to a son, who would become the savior of the world. Mary got troubled by these words, wondering what kind of greeting this might be.

This event took place in northern Israel, in the city of Nazareth, about a three-hour journey from Israel’s capital, Jerusalem.

Nazareth is a small city located uphill. It does not boast the same cleanliness as other parts of Israel, and its houses are not as modern. The majority of its residents are Muslims, making it the largest Arab city in Israel.

Despite this, Christians and Muslims coexist peacefully in the city, with mutual respect for each other’s history.
One of the most noticeable features of Nazareth is the abundance of churches scattered across the city, most of which belong to Christian denominations such as Methodists, Baptists, and Orthodox Christians.

On the hill where Gabriel began his message, stands the Basilica of the Annunciation. This church, built in 1956 by architect Giovanni Muzio, was designed to provide a sanctuary for visitors from around the world to reflect on the message given to the Virgin Mary.

The Basilica of the Annunciation is a key attraction for tourists visiting Israel, particularly Nazareth. Upon arrival, visitors are welcomed by artistic depictions of the Virgin Mary, created by various countries according to their cultural perspectives.

Nazareth is a small city located uphill in the Northern part of Israel.

African, European, and South American countries have contributed images of Mary, which are displayed in the church. Many visitors, predominantly women, come to see this historic site. However, like other parts of Israel, the current war has significantly reduced the number of tourists.

Zalina, a tour guide mainly hosting visitors from South America, told IGIHE that she usually attends to visitor from Brazil and it’s exciting to see people from different cultures and languages every year.

'However, fewer people are coming these days. It’s sad to see this place like this. The reason is that people are afraid to visit Israel or the Middle East, and many airlines have canceled their flights. Even those who want to come cannot find a way.'

The Basilica is divided into two parts. One section preserves the history of the site where the Virgin Mary received the message. Visitors are shown the spot where Mary sat and the pillar where it is said Gabriel stood. Unlike other parts of the church, this section retains its ancient appearance.

The upper section of the Basilica is used for Mass, featuring artworks depicting Jesus’ early life, from conception and birth to how his family fled to Egypt.

The Basilica is divided into two parts.

There is a permanent altar for prayer, where visitors give thanks and seek intercession from the Virgin Mary. Many women, inspired by Mary’s story, pray while carrying rosaries, often reciting them as they walk.

In the surrounding area, souvenirs related to the Virgin Mary, such as images, rosaries, and other religious items, are sold. Every day, locals gather at the Basilica for morning Mass in Italian and Arabic.

Nazareth is just an hour’s drive from Lebanon. At the Israel-Lebanon border, recent attacks by Hezbollah caused significant destruction, forcing many residents to flee. During those times, residents of Nazareth described the situation as tense.

Zalina described the turmoil during the war with Hezbollah, noting that alarms rang out across Israel, including in Nazareth, where both Christians and Muslims coexist peacefully.

She is sad that Hezbollah’s attacks spared no one, targeting cities like Nazareth and Jerusalem, sacred to many. Despite the devastation, she expressed relief that calm has been restored and life is returning to normal as people move forward.

Nazareth is a small city located uphill in the Northern part of Israel.

IGIHE

On December 22, 2024, Rufyikiri was welcomed by President Evariste Ndayishimiye at the Presidential Office. Photos of the meeting show the two leaders engaging in a cordial and friendly discussion.

The Presidential Office spokesperson, Gatoni Rosine Guilene, shared four photos of Rufyikiri and Ndayishimiye on social media, writing, “It is a joy for the Head of State, Evariste Ndayishimiye, to see citizens returning home freely.”

Rufyikiri was among the prominent voices opposing the decision of former President Pierre Nkurunziza to run for a controversial third term. It is reported that his opposition to this move led to threats from the government.

In June 2015, Rufyikiri traveled abroad for medical treatment and decided to remain in exile due to security concerns. During his time outside Burundi, he continued to voice his disapproval of Nkurunziza’s extended tenure, which he argued violated the two-term limit set by the Constitution.

In June 2016, Rufyikiri published a 32-page book titled “Echec de la transformation du CNDD-FDD du mouvement rebelle en parti politique au Burundi: une question d’équilibre entre le changement et la continuité” (The Failure to Transform CNDD-FDD from a Rebel Movement into a Political Party in Burundi: Balancing Change and Continuity).

This book examines the CNDD-FDD’s rise to power in 2005 and the challenges it faced in transitioning from a rebel movement to a functioning political party.

It is unclear whether Rufyikiri intends to remain in Burundi or plans to return abroad. However, his meeting with President Ndayishimiye, who was a close ally of the late President Nkurunziza, signals a positive step toward reconciliation.

Rufyikiri was among the prominent voices opposing the decision of former President Pierre Nkurunziza to run for a controversial third term.

He was warmly welcomed by President Ndayishimiye.

Gervais Rufyikiri, Burundi’s Second Vice President from 2010 to 2015 is back home after nine years in exile.

Gervais Rufyikiri was last seen in Burundi in 2005.

IGIHE

In a statement shared on X, Police spokesperson ACP Rutikanga Boniface urged the youth to be cautious and desist from actions that would undermine their value during the festive holidays.

“Young people, as you go on holiday, avoid using drugs, refrain from ‘house parties’ that lead to drunkenness and other degrading behaviors such as vandalism, fighting, and even actions that could cost you your life or cause serious injury. This is a time to reflect on your academic achievements but also to think about your future goals,” he said.

He further advised parents, to watch out and know where their children are and what they are doing, as it helps in ensuring the safety of the youth, who are the future generation of Rwanda.

Rutikanga also reminded alcohol vendors that alcohol is not for children and that even adults who begin to drink should not continue to sell it irresponsibly.

He urged them to observe noise restrictions, ensuring that the volume is kept at a level that doesn’t interrupt the neighborhood.

Rutikanga appealed to the public to drink responsibly, avoid driving under the influence of alcohol, and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Police spokesperson ACP Rutikanga Boniface urged the youth to be cautious and desist from actions that would undermine their value during the festive holidays.

IGIHE

The management of Kozo Restaurant confirmed Tyler ICU’s performance on New Year’s Eve in a promotional poster, promising a night filled with dazzling acts and surprises.

'Join us for an extraordinary New Year’s Eve at Kozo. An unforgettable night of live performance, dazzling acts, and electrifying vibes,' the restaurant announced.

Tyler ICU, whose real name is Austin Khulani Baloyi, has become a key figure in the Amapiano genre. He is known for his skilful music production and energetic performances.

The management of Kozo Restaurant has confirmed Tyler ICU’s performance on New Year’s Eve in a promotional poster, promising a night filled with dazzling acts and surprises.

He is celebrated for his hit tracks, such as “Mnike,” which was certified platinum in South Africa, and “Bella Ciao,” a collaboration with Nicole Elocin, DJ Maphorisa, and Kabza De Small.

Tyler ICU’s hit “Banyana” with DJ Maphorisa also earned double platinum status. The songs have propelled him into the spotlight, making him one of the most sought-after DJs in the Amapiano scene.

The upcoming performance in Kigali follows Tyler ICU’s successful debut in the city in August 2023, when he performed at Atelier Du Vin, alongside popular Rwandan artists.

The event was a massive hit, drawing a lively crowd, predominantly young fans, who enjoyed the midnight performance of Amapiano music. His show was a major highlight of the night, culminating in the early hours of the morning.

Tyler ICU, whose real name is Austin Khulani Baloyi, has become a key figure in the Amapiano genre. He is known for his skilful music production and energetic performances.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

In his address, Kagame emphasized the critical responsibilities the new ministers face, urging them to be resourceful and innovative in executing their roles.

“Your jobs involve finding the necessary equipment and resources to carry out your duties effectively,” he said. While acknowledging that the country may not have an abundance of resources, Kagame encouraged the ministers to be strategic in using what is available based on need and capacity.

For the Minister of Sports, Kagame highlighted the importance of building on existing achievements and focusing on talent development.

“Sports is a business that thrives on talent. We must explore and nurture the available talent in Rwanda, while continuously improving our sports infrastructure across the country,” he remarked.

The President further stressed that the government has already laid down infrastructure to support sports, and the next step is to maximize its potential.

Turning to the newly appointed Minister of State in Charge of the National Treasury, Kagame stressed the importance of financial acumen in driving economic growth.

“It’s not just about counting money, but understanding where it comes from and how to increase its inflow,” he said. The President called on the Ministry of Finance to focus on effectively managing resources and increasing national income through strategic policies.

The President also emphasized that success in these roles depends not only on individual efforts but also on strong collaboration with other leaders and sectors across the government. “Working together with others in different capacities and sectors is crucial in achieving our collective goals,” Kagame stated.

Kagame reminded the new ministers that their oaths of office are not just formalities. “I often say, the oath is not just a tradition; it carries weight, and it reflects the work you are about to undertake,” he said.

Mukazayire previously served as the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Sports and a senior official at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) before was appointed Minister of Sports.

Rwego Ngarambe has expertise in sports law and previously served as the Director General for Sports Development at the Ministry of Sports before becoming Minister of State for Sports.

Godfrey Kabera is formerly the head of the Planning and Research Department at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.

The newly sworn in Ministers

Sam K Nkurunziza

The car, unveiled by President Paul Kagame and Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) in Kigali, has sparked pride and ambitious aspirations among the students involved.

Speaking to RBA, some team members highlighted the importance of their milestone, describing it as proof of Africa’s potential in innovative engineering.

Clemence Iradukunda, one of the students, shared, 'Being part of this project, creating a racing car for the first time in Africa, has inspired me to further refine my skills and contribute to Rwanda’s development.'

Félix Ndayizeye, a student who assisted in supervising the project and welding components, emphasized the transformative power of vocational training.

'My responsibilities included welding and supporting our engineer from FIA. After working together, we assembled the required parts. This shows that Rwanda’s vocational training programs have immense potential. We’ve proven that Rwanda can achieve great things, and we’re confident about future projects,' he said.

Marc Sibomana, an instructor at IPRC-Kigali, lauded the team’s dedication and resilience.

'We learned to work within deadlines and realized that nothing is impossible if we strive to achieve our goals,' he noted.

Dr. Alice Ikuzwe, Deputy Principal in charge of Academics and Training at IPRC-Kigali, encouraged the students to use this accomplishment as a springboard for tackling local challenges.

'Students now understand their capability. They should start identifying and addressing development projects that meet societal needs while creating jobs for others,' she explained.

The car is the first in the world to be built using blueprints provided by the FIA to its Member Clubs as part of the Affordable Cross Car project.

Remarkably, the students completed the vehicle in just one month, working alongside an FIA technician to meet international standards.

This achievement placed Rwanda firmly on the motorsport map and set a powerful example for future innovations by young African engineers.

The Made-in-Rwanda cross-racing car was unveiled last week during FIA General Assembly in Kigali.

Some of materials used to make the car were sourced locally.

IGIHE

The event, which precedes the celebration of Christmas, was graced by prominent figures, including First Lady Jeannette Kagame.

The concert was also attended by members of the Catholic church, friends of the Kigali Choir from various denominations, and senior leaders in Rwanda.

The 11th edition of the concert captivated the audience with beautiful renditions of songs such as “Abijuru Baririmba,” “Nduwawe,” and “Ndakuramutsa Mubyeyi,” keeping many on their feet.

Other worship songs, including “Tambira Jehovah,” “Atawale,” and “Wabanye Natwe,” energized the audience, which joined the Kigali Choir in singing.

The male members of the choir, led by the skilled saxophonist Cedric Mineur, delighted the crowd with their unique voices and excellent music.

Children in the choir also had their moment, performing popular children’s songs such as “Lundi Matin,” “Frère Jacques,” and “Bye Bye Ngona.”

Jean Claude Hodari, President of the choir, thanked the attendees and emphasized the concert’s role in uniting people. He promised an even better event in 2025.

“I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Before I conclude, I ask you to join us again next year. We’ve held this concert for 11 years and this is our 12th. It brings joy and unites families. This concert connects believers in Christ,” he remarked.

The choir president also expressed gratitude to the Government of Rwanda for providing BK Arena for the annual outreach event.

Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, Catholic Archbishop of Kigali and President of the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda, thanked First Lady Jeannette Kagame for attending and extended Christmas and New Year wishes to her and her family, including President Paul Kagame.

“This concert has become a tradition to help people celebrate Christmas and honour the Virgin Mary. It is valuable to be together. We thank the performers for their dedication,” Cardinal Kambanda stated.

The Cardinal reiterated the significance of the choir’s collaboration, with members harmonizing their diverse voices as a symbol of unity.

Established in 1966, Chorale de Kigali has been organizing annual Christmas Carols events since 2013. Over the years, this concert has grown into a signature pre-Christmas celebration, attracting a large audience from Kigali and beyond.

As one of Rwanda’s oldest Catholic choirs, Chorale de Kigali began with a group of 20 individuals, many of whom were music graduates from seminary schools across the country during that period.

The concert concluded with a prayer led by Cardinal Kambanda, asking for peace and joy for all Rwandans as they celebrate the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Chorale de Kigali moved the hearts of those who attended the concert with their melodious tunes.

The concert took place at BK Arena in Gasabo District.

The concert was attended by members of the Catholic church, friends of the choir from various denominations, and senior leaders in Rwanda.

The event, which precedes the celebration of Christmas, was graced by prominent figures, including First Lady Jeannette Kagame.

The concert attendees were deeply touched by both the message and the voices of the Chorale de Kigali singers.

Renowned gospel singer Israel Mbonyi also graced the concert.

The children in the Chorale de Kigali performed beloved children’s songs.

Children also enjoyed the music concert.

The 11th edition of the concert captivated the audience with beautiful renditions of songs such as “Abijuru Baririmba,” “Nduwawe,” and “Ndakuramutsa Mubyeyi,” keeping many on their feet.

Journalist Ingabire Egidie Bibio was one of the hosts of the concert.

Cardinal Antoine Kambanda reiterated the significance of the choir’s collaboration, with members harmonizing their diverse voices as a symbol of unity.

IGIHE

Donald Trump’s transition team is pushing to pull the United States out of the World Health Organization (WHO) on the first day of the new administration, according to experts who warn of the “catastrophic” impact it would have on global health, the Financial Times (FT) reported on Sunday.

Members of Trump’s team told the experts of their intention to announce a withdrawal from the global health body on the president-elect’s January 20 inauguration, the FT said, noting that the departure would remove the WHO’s biggest source of funds, damaging its ability to respond to public health crises such as the coronavirus pandemic.

U.S.’s plan to withdraw “on day one” would be “catastrophic” for global health, the FT quoted Lawrence Gostin, professor of global health at Georgetown Law, as saying.

Gostin said there would be “very lean years for the WHO where it will struggle to respond to health emergencies and will have to reduce its scientific staff considerably.”

Trump has in the past expressed his intent to withdraw the United States from WHO due to concerns over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He criticized the organization for being “overly influenced by China”, claiming it failed to address early missteps in reporting the virus. Additionally, he faulted the WHO for its perceived lack of urgency and transparency during the pandemic, which he argued worsened the global crisis.

Citing the substantial financial contributions the U.S. makes to the WHO, Trump claims that the organization does not sufficiently advance American interests or provide adequate value in return.

Donald Trump’s transition team is reportedly pushing to pull the United States out of the World Health Organization (WHO) on the first day of the new administration.

Xinhua

This prestigious event is one that Rwanda has recently shown interest in hosting, with discussions on the matter progressing, as highlighted by President Paul Kagame on December 13, 2024.

Hosting a Formula One Grand Prix would require significant investment, including building the race track and maintaining it.

The costs involved cover the construction of the racing circuit, roads for the race, and ongoing repairs to potential damages. Seats for spectators, barriers, and fencing also add to the total expense.

Generally, the cost to build a new Formula One venue ranges between $270 million and $1.5 billion. The Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi currently holds the record, costing $1.34 billion.

Nowadays, new races come with a 10-year contract, costing almost $48.9 million annually (amounting to about $396.2 million over ten years) and an additional $575 million for race preparation, totaling nearly $1 billion, or roughly 1.3 trillion Rwandan francs.

What could Rwanda gain?

It has been six months since Visit Rwanda partnered with major European teams and various other competitions, which has boosted the country’s tourism sector.

The growing awareness has been evident, with a rise in the number of visitors. Rwanda’s sports investments have also been aimed at promoting its natural beauty and attracting international events, not just for tourism but also for business opportunities related to sports.

The tourism sector is expected to generate $660 million for Rwanda in 2024, up from $620 million in 2023.

The potential hosting of the Formula One Grand Prix has attracted global attention, and if it materializes, it would significantly boost Rwanda’s visibility, especially since the last African Formula One race took place in 1993 at Kyalami, South Africa.

In other countries, such races have proven to generate substantial returns, primarily from ticket sales because money from sponsorships often goes to the organizing company, Liberty Media.

While there have been instances where Formula One races incurred losses, such as in India and South Korea, where the Grand Prix failed to continue after heavy financial losses amounting to $24 million and $37 million respectively in 2012 and 2013, there are numerous successful examples.

For instance, Las Vegas invested $500 million for its 2023 Grand Prix, which generated an impressive $1.2 billion in tourism revenue. Similarly, between 2008 and 2018, Singapore’s Grand Prix contributed about $1.4 billion to its economy by drawing in 450,000 more tourists.

In Mexico, the Formula One Grand Prix boosted the country’s economy by 12%, largely through spending on luxury hotels and other services, where each Formula One attendee spends an average of $1,730 over the race weekend.

Research shows that between 2012 and 2015, hosting the event in Austin, Texas, generated $2.8 billion.

Formula One races are watched by over 1.54 billion viewers worldwide, with each race attracting an average audience of 70 million people.

With races broadcast in over 200 countries and spanning 635 hours of television coverage annually, the global reach is vast. About 53% of viewers are international, with tourists and teams spending significant amounts in the host country.

In addition to promoting the country, hosting such an event also creates job opportunities for local residents.

For example, the Formula One Grand Prix in Canada creates 640 jobs, while in Austin, Texas, it supports 9,100 jobs and generates $306 million annually.

If Rwanda was to host the Formula One Grand Prix, it could see a significant boost in its economy, both from tourism and the creation of job opportunities for locals.

Hosting a Formula One Grand Prix would require significant investment, including building the race track and maintaining it. This photo was generated by AI

It was recently disclosed that discussions on Rwanda’s bid to host Formula One Grand Prix are progressing. AI generated image

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