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The House unanimously gave a nod to President Paul Kagame’s nominees during a sitting on Thursday, December 5, 2024.

The approval followed thorough vetting by the Senate Committee on Political Affairs and Governance.

'After vetting the qualifications of the nominees and conducting interviews with them, as well as reviewing the responsibilities of the Supreme Court, the Committee concluded that the nominees have the knowledge and experience that would enable them to perform the duties they have been nominated for,' the Committee Chairperson, Senator Usta Kaitesi, told the Senate.

President Kagame made the appointments on Tuesday, December 3, with the nominees expected to serve for a five-year term, renewable once.

Mukantaganzwa will succeed Faustin Ntezilyayo as Rwanda’s Chief Justice. She is set to become the country’s sixth Chief Justice since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and the second female to hold the top position, following Aloysie Cyanzayire, who led the Rwandan judiciary from 2003 to 2011.

Until her appointment, the 60-year-old served as the Chairperson of the Rwanda Law Reform Commission (RLRC), a position she assumed in December 2019.

She is renowned for her central role and contributions to the success of the Gacaca Jurisdiction, which was tasked with handling cases related to the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She led the institution from 2003 until 2012 when she concluded its mandate and presented a comprehensive report to the government.

Mukantaganzwa was also one of the commissioners who drafted the 2003 Rwandan Constitution.

On the other hand, Justice Hitiyaremye has served as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Rwanda since 2019.

Until her appointment as President of the Supreme Court of Rwanda,Domitilla Mukantaganzwa served as the Chairperson of the Rwanda Law Reform Commission (RLRC), a position she assumed in December 2019.

Justice Alphonse Hitiyaremye has served as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Rwanda since 2019.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

DJ Sonia triumphed in the Zikomo DJ category at the awards ceremony held on November 30, outshining 15 other nominees from various African nations.

The 25-year-old expressed heartfelt gratitude for the recognition, promising to put in more work to elevate her craft even to higher heights.

DJ Sonia triumphed in the Zikomo DJ category at the awards ceremony held on November 30, outshining 15 other nominees from various African nations.

'I’m incredibly honoured to receive this award. It means so much to me because it represents not just my hard work but also the passion I pour into every set,' she told The New Times.

'Being recognized at this level gives me the motivation to push even further, elevate my craft, and inspire others who dream of being DJs. This is not just a win for me; it’s a milestone in my journey and a reminder that music truly connects us all.'

DJ Sonia, 25, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the recognition, promising to put in even more work to elevate her craft.

This year’s awards also celebrated other outstanding talents from Africa. Kenya’s Sarah Hassan was named Best Zikomo Actress of the Year for East and Southern Africa, while Malawian musician Onesimus Muzik took home the Artist of the Year accolade.

DJ Sonia’s victory follows her earlier nomination for DJ of the Year at the Youth Excellence Awards (YEA), cementing her place as one of Africa’s leading entertainment figures.

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The Zikomo Africa Awards, established in 2020 by Blessing Ouddar in Zambia, honour excellence across various fields, including music, fashion, sports, and humanitarian efforts.

Derived from the Zambian word meaning “thank you,” the awards aim to recognize individuals making significant contributions to their communities while fostering unity and positive change across Africa.

This year’s event featured an expanded roster of categories and high-profile nominees, including Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz and DR Congo’s Fally Ipupa.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

This seemingly small responsibility as a prefect/head girl taught me about the importance of structure, accountability, and having a voice within a community. This was a time, my country, Sierra Leone, was on the edge of a brutal civil war that would last over a decade, where youth involvement in any form of governance became rare and almost unimaginable.

Despite the enormous impact of young people in Africa’s liberation movements, decades later, youth-led governance in many countries remains limited, with policies typically shaped with little or no direct inputs from youth.

This creates a dangerous paradox: we task young people with inheriting tomorrow’s challenges while denying them a voice in today’s solutions. In an era where young people represent both the largest demographic and the most digitally native generation, excluding them from governance means sacrificing our greatest source of innovation and economic potential. Not only is this a missed opportunity, but it is also a risk. And this can be seen across the continent, with young people organizing to demand more equitable opportunities and a greater say in their future.

In Kenya, nationwide protests against tax hikes and corruption highlighted youth frustration. This unrest prompted demands for more inclusive reforms. The government responded with a major cabinet reshuffle and announced policy changes. Similarly, the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria exposed broader issues of corruption and governance.

This led to the Nigerian government disbanding the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and pledged various reforms, including a $70 million youth investment fund. In South Africa, the #FeesMustFall movement was driven by students protesting high tuition fees, poor university governance, and limited financial aid. It led to the halt of planned fee increases and pressured the government to boost education subsidies and expand financial aid for low-income students.

The solution requires genuine commitment: we must establish platforms that welcome youth perspectives, fund youth-driven projects, and ensure young voices shape policy at every level, from neighbourhoods to parliaments.

There are promising examples of youth inclusion that provide a way forward. Rwanda, where I have the honor to serve as the United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative, stands out. Youth representation in government is growing, with over 30,000 young people in local government councils across districts, sectors, cells as well as villages, all elected by the National Youth Council.

Additionally, there are two youth serving as members of parliament and many others in key ministerial roles. Given such commendable representation, youth in Rwanda have championed policy changes in rescuing street children, supporting teen mothers, road traffic speed limits among others.

There are other approaches that are gaining traction globally. For example, youth shadow cabinets, like the one in Canada, allow young leaders to simulate government processes, while youth-led policy think tanks like UK Youth, enable young people to research and influence public policy on critical issues. There are also digital platforms, including the global #Youth4Climate initiative co-led by the Government of Italy and UNDP that aims to foster youth leadership on climate.

Youth empowerment also requires economic opportunity. This means investing in youth-led businesses and community initiatives, through coordinated efforts from government, private sector, and civil society to design supportive policies, enhance education, and build regulatory frameworks that foster youth entrepreneurship.

Reimagining employment models is also crucial, since over 80% of workers in most African countries are in the informal sector, covering gig work, small enterprises, and self-employment that typically lack the protections and stability of formal jobs. There is a need to extend basic protections, improve financial inclusion, provide vocational training and upgrade the technical skills and capacity of youth-led businesses.

When young people have these opportunities they and their communities prosper. For instance, in South Africa, initiatives like the Youth Employment Service (YES) provide skills development and job placements, allowing youth to gain valuable work experience and contribute to local economies. In Ghana, the National Digital Transformation Agenda equips youth with digital skills, resulting in a surge of startups that contribute to local economic development.

Reflecting on my journey from a teenage student leader in Sierra Leone to my current role as UNDP Resident Representative, I see both how far we’ve come and how much remains to be done. At the just concluded 2024 YouthConnekt Africa Summit in Kigali, one could see the enormous potential in young people. If leaders don’t create meaningful opportunities for youth participation, we risk losing not just individual potential, but also the innovative energy needed to transform our continent.

Young people are already leading, innovating, and demanding change across Africa. Those of us in positions of influence today must recognize that Africa’s transformation depends not only on our willingness to make space for youth, but on our courage to share the space we have and the power with them.

Fatmata Lovetta Sesay is UNDP’s Resident Representative in Rwanda. She is passionate about youth advancement, women’s economic empowerment, and designing sustainable policies that ensure inclusive development.

Fatmata Lovetta Sesay

In an interview with The Telegraph, Minister Nduhungirehe confirmed that Rwanda is committed to contributing to global efforts aimed at addressing illegal migration.

He emphasized that Rwanda is open to receiving migrants relocated from other countries, as it had agreed to do under its canceled deal with the UK.

'If there is any will from another country to discuss this, we will be open to discuss, to see how it can be materialised,' Nduhungirehe stated.

The proposed arrangement would see Rwanda taking in migrants transferred from countries facing migration challenges, aligning with the nation’s broader stance on immigration.

In September, Germany’s migration commissioner had even suggested Rwanda as a third-party country to handle migrant offshoring. Italy has already moved forward with a similar agreement, using Albania for migrant relocation.

While no direct proposals have been received from the U.S. administration, the elect-President Trump’s close aides have indicated that Rwanda may be considered as a destination for migrants as part of Trump’s mass deportation plans.

Nduhungirehe said Rwanda had not yet had any direct approaches but reaffirmed Rwanda’s readiness to partner with any country willing to address the global migration crisis.

'We are open to continue contributing to the solution to the migration, if in the days or months or years to come, we have to get into partnership with another country. So we consider all the conditions, including the facilities.'

Discussing the canceled migration partnership with the UK, Nduhungirehe explained that the deal, which was terminated after the election of UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, would have provided a viable solution by acting as a deterrent while adhering to international law.

'We believe that every country should address this issue of migration in a way that will deter migration while treating the migrants in a humane way according to international law,' he said.

'We did our part and we are willing to do it again, but for other countries, especially European countries, they should talk among themselves and then find an appropriate solution to the migration aiming at deterrence, but also receiving people who have reached the territory and integrating them according to international law.'

Rwanda had started building accommodations for migrants from the UK. Nduhungirehe suggested that this infrastructure could be repurposed for any future migrant relocation schemes with other countries.

'If we get into partnership with any other country, we will discuss the terms and conditions of that partnership and that could be considered at that time,' he said.

Although the UK’s MEDP has been canceled, Nduhungirehe noted that the housing facilities built with the funds could still serve a useful purpose.

'We are still discussing within the government how to use that accommodation, not necessarily to deal with migration now that the MEDP is being terminated. They will be used for other purposes. We have started implementing the agreement, because part of the money was on development of that infrastructure.'

Rwanda’s position reflects its continued openness to contributing to global migration solutions while ensuring that agreements are mutually beneficial and aligned with international law.

The elect-President Trump’s close aides have indicated that Rwanda may be considered as a destination for migrants as part of Trump’s mass deportation plans.

The U.S. is among countries affected by migrant crisis.

IGIHE

The deal between the UK government, led by the Conservative Party, and Rwanda was signed in April 2022 and revised in December 2023 after doubts arose over the security of migrants while in Kigali.

In an interview with journalist Nick Ferrari of LBC, Minister Nduhungirehe explained that Rwanda was surprised by the security concerns raised in the UK after it had agreed to help the UK address the migrant issue.

'We have strong relations with the UK, and then we are working with the Labour government to terminate the migration partnership that we had worked on with the previous government, so that we can focus on our other projects and policies between our two countries,' he said.

Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, upon being elected as the new UK Prime Minister, stated that he would stop the deal.

When asked by Ferrari how the UK government had informed Rwanda about its decision to halt the program, Minister Nduhungirehe responded that Rwanda had not been formally notified, and it was initially disappointing.

'We knew it even through the campaign, electoral campaign. The Labour Party had stated on several occasions that they would repeal this partnership, and we knew when the results came out that this migration partnership would be repealed. We then worked with the government,' he noted.

'Initially, we were a bit disappointed with how this was handled, as we were not formally notified with the initial announcement in the media. But later on, we managed to speak with the government, including the Home Secretary and other officials, to work on how to terminate this migration partnership,' Nduhungirehe added.

UK High Commissioner to Rwanda, Alison Thorpe, during a press briefing in Kigali on October 2, 2024, suggested that it seems unlikely that the UK government would reinstate the program, as they have introduced other measures to deter illegal migrants.

The diplomat stated that after Starmer halted the agreement, it was expected that the UK Parliament would approve the decision, and the UK government would formally notify Rwanda in accordance with legal procedures.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe has revealed that Rwanda and UK are working together on termination of the migration partnership.

The Migration and Economic Development Partnership between Rwanda and UK was signed in April 2024.

Théophile Niyitegeka

France’s Minority Government falls in historic no-confidence vote

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government was o Wednesday evening ousted by a no-confidence vote, marking a historic first since Georges Pompidou’s administration was toppled in 1962.

The vote followed Barnier’s controversial move to push through the 2025 social security budget without parliamentary approval. With 331 lawmakers supporting the motion, Barnier’s tenure as prime minister—already the shortest in the history of the Fifth Republic—came to an abrupt end.

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier reacts Wednesday after losing a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly in Paris.

The no-confidence motion was spearheaded by the New Popular Front (NFP), a coalition of left-leaning parties, and supported by the far-right National Rally (RN), led by Marine Le Pen. This cross-spectrum alliance reflects the increasingly fragmented nature of French politics.

President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to dissolve parliament in June had already set the stage for a deeply divided legislature following snap elections in July.

With new elections constitutionally barred until mid-2025, the political landscape in France remains fraught.

President Macron must now navigate the complex process of appointing a caretaker government, which will oversee operations in the short term but faces significant challenges in achieving long-term stability. Financial markets have already shown signs of concern, with France’s borrowing costs spiking amid the turmoil.

This development places France at a critical juncture, further complicating the European Union’s dynamics as Germany grapples with its own electoral uncertainties and the U.S. prepares for Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January.

Kenya sued at East African Court of Justice

Kenya is facing a legal battle at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) over its decision to grant diplomatic immunities to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The case, filed by Kenyan petitioners Sigi Waigumo Mwanzia and Gichohi Waweru on November 28, 2024, accuses Kenya of breaching the East African Community (EAC) Treaty and its own Constitution by failing to ensure transparency, public participation, and accountability in the process.

A past photo of President William Ruto when he hosted American businessman Bill Gates at State House Nairobi on November 15, 2022.

The immunities, granted through a gazette notice on October 4, 2024, sparked public debate. Critics argue such privileges are typically reserved for diplomatic missions, not private entities.

The petitioners demand an explanation of how the foundation qualified under Kenya’s Privileges and Immunities Act and access to related documentation. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has also filed a separate case, leading the High Court to suspend the immunities pending a hearing.

Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, had earlier defended the decision, emphasizing the foundation’s substantial contributions to development and adherence to legal frameworks. However, questions linger about the broader implications of extending diplomatic protections to philanthropic organizations.

Karua returns to Kenya after delays in obtaining practice license in Uganda

Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua has returned to Kenya after failing to secure a temporary practicing license from the Uganda Law Council, delaying her plans to lead the defense of Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye.

Karua visited Uganda on December 1, 2024, to obtain the necessary certification but was unsuccessful. Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, a member of Besigye’s legal team, stated that the team remains hopeful the license will be approved soon.

Kenyan lawyer and former justice minister Martha Karua has applied to lead a team of 50 lawyers in mounting a spirited defence for Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye and his ally Obeid Lutale, who were arrested by Ugandan security agents in Nairobi on November 16, 2024.

The legal team sought an adjournment in Besigye’s case to allow time for Karua’s certification, but the General Court Martial rescheduled the hearing to December 10, 2024, citing scheduling conflicts.

Besigye and his ally Abeid Lutale face charges including illegal possession of firearms and activities undermining national security following their controversial arrest in Nairobi, Kenya, while in the city to attend the launch of Karua’s book. Both remain remanded at Luzira Prison.

The charges have drawn criticism from rights activists, who argue they are politically
motivated, with questions raised about the military court’s jurisdiction over civilians.

Besigye, a veteran opposition figure and four-time presidential candidate, has faced repeated arrests for anti-government protests.

Trump nominates Jared Isaacman to head NASA

United States President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Jared Isaacman, a tech billionaire and private astronaut, to lead NASA.

Isaacman, known for funding and participating in SpaceX’s private space missions, would replace the outgoing administrator, Bill Nelson, if confirmed by the Senate.

Jared Isaacman, 41, is the founder of Shift4 Payments and an accomplished fighter pilot.

Isaacman, 41, is the founder of Shift4 Payments and an accomplished fighter pilot. He collaborated with SpaceX in 2022, making history with the first private spacewalk while testing customized spacewalking suits. His nomination signals NASA’s continued reliance on private companies like SpaceX, which plays a central role in the Artemis program aimed at returning humans to the moon.

Isaacman’s leadership is expected to deepen NASA’s focus on commercial partnerships and expand exploration efforts, including missions to Mars.

Trump highlighted Isaacman’s potential to drive breakthroughs in space science, technology, and exploration. Critics have noted Isaacman’s lack of government experience but acknowledged his expertise in private space ventures.

This early appointment aligns with Trump’s push to accelerate space exploration and expand the commercial space sector, with support from Elon Musk, a close collaborator and major donor to Trump’s campaign.

Rwanda to unveil Rubavu Port

Rwanda is set to officially launch the Rubavu Port on December 6, a state-of-the-art facility designed to boost regional trade and connectivity, particularly with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Situated on Lake Kivu in Nyamyumba Sector, this two-hectare port features cargo and passenger terminals and has been operational in a pilot phase since June 2024. It can handle 700,000 tonnes of cargo and 2.7 million passengers annually, with facilities including a wastewater treatment plant, petrol station, and accommodations for staff.

Rubavu Port project aims to lower trade costs and improve efficiency in transporting goods like cement, beverages, and dairy products across Lake Kivu.

The project, funded by Invest International and TradeMark Africa, aims to lower trade costs and improve efficiency in transporting goods like cement, beverages, and dairy products across Lake Kivu. It also supports local communities by creating jobs and fostering tourism. Officials anticipate significant economic benefits, including streamlined logistics, reduced tariffs, and fewer cross-border trade bottlenecks.

Rubavu Port is part of a larger initiative, the Lake Kivu Harbour Transport Project, which includes the development of additional ports in Rusizi, Karongi, and Nkora.

The project aims to transform Rwanda into a regional trade corridor, reducing the cost per metric ton of goods transported across Lake Kivu by nearly 60% while promoting greener and safer alternatives to road transport.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

This message was shared through a presentation he gave on December 4, 2024, at the British think tank Chatham House, focusing on Rwanda’s policy in the region and internationally.

Nduhungirehe highlighted that the FDLR, a terrorist group, poses a threat to Rwanda’s security, noting that it continues to recruit new fighters and is supported by the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

'The FDLR threatens Rwanda’s security, not only because it is provided with support, weapons, and money, and is sheltered by the DRC government politically, but also it spreads the genocide ideology,' he said.

He explained that the ideology propagated by the FDLR is aligned with rhetoric from DRC leaders who keep boasting of their plans to overthrow Rwanda’s government.

He hinted on the connection between the FDLR and the DRC military, as well as with Burundi’s forces, those from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Wazalendo militia groups, and other European mercenaries.

Nduhungirehe further explained that security is a key pillar of Rwanda’s development over the past 30 years, and that the country will not allow anything to jeopardize its security, whether from within or outside.

'Rwanda will not tolerate any threat to our security and territorial integrity, which is why our border security measures, which are legal and necessary, are still in place. These measures will only be lifted once the security threat is eliminated,' he said.

On November 25, 2024, Rwanda, DRC, and Angola’s ministerial representatives met in Luanda and agreed on a plan to dismantle the FDLR. Rwanda agreed that once the group is completely eliminated, the security measures at the border will be lifted.

It is expected that Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Félix Tshisekedi of DRC, and João Lourenço of Angola will meet in Luanda on December 15, 2024, to confirm the decisions made by the ministers of their respective countries.

Nduhungirehe says that the ideology propagated by the FDLR is aligned with rhetoric from DRC leaders who keep boasting of their plans to overthrow Rwanda’s government.

Minister Nduhungirehe highlighted that the FDLR poses a threat to Rwanda’s security.

IGIHE

The policy, which required passengers from Rwanda to be redirected to three designated U.S. airports for screening, is now no longer in effect. This decision also removes the requirement for travelers who have been in Rwanda within the last 21 days to undergo additional health assessments.

' Passengers are now able to arrive in the United States without being redirected to one of the three designated airports where public health entry screening was previously conducted,' reads a statement released on December 4.

This change follows the November 22, 2024, downgrade of Rwanda’s travel advisory from Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) to Level 2 (“Exercise Increased Caution”), signaling that the situation had significantly improved.

In addition, the last known patient with Marburg Virus Disease in Rwanda tested negative on November 8, 2024, and the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that Rwanda had begun the 42-day countdown to officially declare the end of the outbreak.

With no new cases reported, public health officials are now confident that the risk posed by the virus has been effectively mitigated.

While the end of the screening measures marks a positive step, U.S. health authorities emphasized the continued importance of vigilance and monitoring.

The Marburg Virus Disease outbreak was first declared in Rwanda on September 27,2024.

As Rwanda approaches the official declaration of the end of the outbreak—expected to occur on December 12, 2024, this policy change is expected to improve the flow of air travel between Rwanda and the U.S., making it easier for passengers to enter the U.S. without unnecessary delays.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially ended the public health entry screening for air travelers from Rwanda.

The Ministry of Health, on November 16, announced the end of the monitoring period for individuals who had contact with Marburg virus cases.

Théophile Niyitegeka

The suspects, a 57-year-old mother and her 27-year-old daughter, were apprehended at their residence in Runyeheri Village, Nyarushyamba Cell, Nyakiriba Sector, on the morning of Tuesday, December 3.

The Western region Police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, said the arrest followed a tip-off from the public.

'Based on credible information the Police had about a large stock of smuggled clothes stored at the suspects’ home, Police officers from the Anti-Smuggling Unit searched the premises where they found eight bales of used clothes that had been smuggled into the country from the DR Congo,' SP Karekezi said.

He commended those, who provided the information on the two suspected smugglers, and urged the public to avoid engaging in smuggling.

SP Karekezi noted that taxes are used to develop infrastructure such as roads, schools, hospitals, and other public facilities, but warned that such acts amount to illegal cross-border.

He added that evading taxes undermines the country’s economy and the well-being of its citizens.

SP Karekezi also reminded the public that the Police, in collaboration with other institutions and the community, are actively fighting smuggling and fraud.

Engaging in such illegal trade carries severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and a fine equivalent to 50% of the value of the smuggled goods, as stipulated under the East African Community Customs Management Act.

IGIHE