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Xinhua

According to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Kigali, this funding will support efforts to end the outbreak in collaboration with Rwanda’s Ministry of Health.

'The funds will address the remaining needs in Rwanda’s national MVD response that include case management, contact tracing, and infection prevention and control,' the statement reads.

The U.S. has praised Rwanda’s swift response in implementing effective measures to protect its citizens’ health and expressed hope that the additional funding will further strengthen Rwanda’s disease preparedness, response, and advance the global health security agenda.

Since the start of the outbreak, the U.S. has committed over $8.35 million in emergency funding, donated nearly 2,000 testing kits, provided essential medical supplies to frontline workers, and sent U.S. medical experts to assist with disease detection and surveillance.

In early October, the U.S. government delivered an initial shipment of vaccine doses and therapeutic drugs for Marburg disease to Rwanda, in a joint effort to contain the outbreak.

Rwanda’s response to the Marburg outbreak has been recognized by key institutions, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), in their official statements.

Rwanda confirmed its first-ever Marburg virus outbreak on September 27, 2024. So far, the country has reported 62 cases, 46 recoveries, and 15 deaths from 4,924 tests conducted.

To contain the outbreak, Rwanda recently launched vaccination efforts for frontline health workers and initiated clinical trials for Marburg treatment.

The Marburg virus, which causes hemorrhagic fever, is believed to originate from fruit bats and spreads through close contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, rash, chest pain, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and unexplained bleeding.

Health experts advise strict hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing and avoiding contact with personal items or bodily fluids of symptomatic individuals, to prevent infection.

Rwanda’s response to the Marburg outbreak has been recognized by key institutions, including the World Health Organization and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Théophile Niyitegeka

The Ministry of Environment said in a statement on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, that the funding was approved during the 40th Board Meeting of the GCF, held in South Korea.

The ministry affirmed that the Green City project, which is being implemented by the Rwanda Green Fund , will serve as a model for sustainable urbanization, showcasing climate-resilient, low-emission infrastructure development.

Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, said the project aims to address challenges emerging from the city’s rapid urbanization, with a focus on upgrading informal settlements through innovative, sustainable, and climate-resilient solutions. These solutions will help mitigate climate-related risks such as floods and landslides.

“This agreement underscores the strength of our partnership at a critical time when the effects of climate change are increasingly evident. These impacts not only threaten the country’s economy but also pose serious risks to the lives of our people. The Green City Kigali Project represents a proactive step towards creating a sustainable and resilient urban environment, aiming to mitigate these challenges and promote a better quality of life for all Rwandans,” said Dr. Uwamariya.

The GCF funding will support the Ngaruyinka Project, which forms part of a larger 600-hectare urban transformation plan. This initiative includes several key components, starting with green infrastructure investments aimed at developing resilient systems for stormwater management, ensuring water security, incorporating renewable energy, and enhancing waste management within Ngaruyinka Village.

Another essential element is capacity building and skill development, with the establishment of a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) center. This center will focus on nurturing green construction skills and fostering sustainable livelihoods.

Additionally, the project emphasizes the scaling-up and replication of best practices throughout Rwanda, achieved through training programs designed for professionals in green construction and urban development.

Henry Gonzalez, Chief Investment Officer of the Green Climate Fund, stated that the project not only introduces a new model for urban development in Rwanda but also has the potential to serve as a blueprint for other cities in Africa and globally, enabling them to plan resilient and sustainable urban growth in response to a changing climate.

'GCF will look to replicate this approach in other countries, drawing on the lessons from Kigali,' said Gonzalez.

The project will be implemented over the next five years, positioning Kigali as a model for sustainable, climate-resilient urban development in the region.

'The GCF board’s decision to support this project is a significant boost to our vision for sustainable urban development. By integrating green technologies and improving settlements in a challenging environment, this initiative complements the broader Green City Kigali program, addressing climate challenges and promoting long-term resilience,' said Teddy Mugabo, CEO of the Rwanda Green Fund.

GCF is a global initiative established to help developing countries combat climate change by funding projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting climate resilience. The fund was launched in 2010 as part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The Ministry of Environment affirmed that the Green City project, which is being implemented by the Rwanda Green Fund , will serve as a model for sustainable urbanization, showcasing climate-resilient, low-emission infrastructure development.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

President Kagame is in Samoa to attend the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Upon his arrival in the Samoan capital, Apia, he was welcomed by the country’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Customs and Revenue, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio, before engaging in talks with Prime Minister Afioga.

The Commonwealth comprises 56 member countries from across all continents, with 33 of them being small states, including 25 island nations. By 2023, the Commonwealth had an estimated population of 2.5 billion people.

President Kagame has served as Chairperson of the Commonwealth since June 2022, following Rwanda’s successful hosting of CHOGM that year. He took over the role from former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

During this year’s CHOGM, which runs from October 21-26, Rwanda will officially hand over the two-year chairmanship to Samoa.

This handover was confirmed by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, on October 22, 2024.

Samoa was selected as the incoming Chair-In-Office and host of the next CHOGM during last year’s Heads of Government Meeting in Rwanda.

Additionally, a new Secretary-General of the Commonwealth is expected to be elected, replacing Patricia Scotland, who has held the position since March 2016.

This year’s CHOGM marks a historic occasion, being the first held in a Pacific Small Island Developing State and the first since Gabon and Togo officially joined the Commonwealth, raising the total membership to 56 nations.

CHOGM, traditionally held biennially, serves as the Commonwealth’s main political gathering.

Building on the progress since CHOGM 2022, this year’s leaders are expected to address pressing global challenges, including economic, environmental, and security issues.

Discussions will also focus on how the Commonwealth can work together to enhance resilience, boost trade, foster innovation and growth, and empower the Commonwealth’s 1.5 billion youth to build a more peaceful and sustainable future.

The main CHOGM event is scheduled for October 25, 2024, preceded by several side meetings, including the Youth Forum and the Women’s Forum. The Foreign Ministers’ Meeting will take place on October 24.

President Kagame has held talks with the Prime Minister of Samoa.

Upon his arrival in the Samoan capital, Apia, Kagame was welcomed by the country’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Customs and Revenue, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio.

President Kagame ina conversation with Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Customs and Revenue, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio.

Samoa is an island state.

Commonwelath member countries’ flags have been raised along different roads in Samoa.

IGIHE

Inaugurated on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, the center aims to equip religious leaders, women, and youth with skills to enhance their economic development and create lasting impact in their communities.

The initiative was led by Dr. Faustin Ntamushobora, a Rwandan who has lived in the United States. He is also the CEO of Transformation Leadership in Africa, an organization based in California with operations in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and Rwanda.

Dr. Ntamushobora shared that the idea for the center was born out of a realization that while churches focus on spiritual teachings, they often overlook the importance of educating people on community development and improving their livelihoods.

“We aim to train leaders to not only preach but also foster economic empowerment. We have specific programs for women to help them initiate projects that will support their families,” Dr. Ntamushobora said in an interview with IGIHE.

The center also has a youth and children’s project that provides training and financial support to help them thrive.

Additionally, Dr. Ntamushobora revealed plans to establish a university at the center, stating, “We want Rwandans and Africans to access knowledge and technology while upholding values of faith and community. Our vision is to develop individuals with a strong sense of purpose and contribution to society.”

He extended his appreciation to the Rwandan government for its continued support and encouraged local communities to join the efforts in fostering development through the center’s initiatives.

Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde lauded the vision of the center, emphasizing its potential to transform lives. He pledged ongoing support to help the center achieve its objectives.

“We value this initiative, as it aligns with our mission to improve the well-being of our citizens. We will continue working with the center’s founders to ensure the goals are fully realized,” he said.

According to the 2022 national population census, Rwanda has a population of 13,246,394, with 48.5% male and 51.5% female. Over 65% of the population comprises youth, underscoring the significance of the government’s focus on programs that support women and youth development.

The TL Rwanda Conference Centre aims to equip religious leaders, women, and youth with skills to enhance their economic development and create lasting impact in their communities.

The TL Rwanda Conference Centre was inaugurated on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.

Participants of the inauguration ceremony in a group photo.

IGIHE

During a press conference on October 22, 2024, Nathan Ntaganzwa, the Managing Director of 1000Hills Events, shared insights into the upcoming ceremony, emphasizing the growing recognition of disability inclusion.

“From previous experiences, we realize that people are slowly getting to know the importance of disability inclusion. This year, we are introducing a one-day festival where people will showcase their work and create mass awareness about the importance of inclusion,” Ntaganzwa explained.

The event will recognize individuals, SMEs, and corporate companies that have championed the inclusion of people with disabilities in their workplace and communities. The day-long festival will feature an exhibition, keynote speeches reflecting on 30 years of progress in disability inclusion, and artistic performances by people with and without disabilities.

Nathan Ntaganzwa (C), the Managing Director of 1000Hills Events shared insights into the upcoming awards ceremony.

Ntaganzwa highlited the role of the private sector in this journey.
“In the past, some private organizations showed interest in adopting inclusion policies but didn’t know how to proceed. The more we hold such events, the better we can connect those eager to work with people with disabilities and those willing to adopt inclusive hiring practices,” he said.

Stakeholders such as Feed the Future Rwanda Hanga Akazi are actively supporting the event. Speaking on behalf of the organization, Come Ndemezo, the Gender Equity and Social Inclusion Coordinator, stressed the need to encourage companies to adopt inclusion not out of sympathy but as a smart business strategy.

'Women, youth, and persons with disabilities are our focus. We want the private sector to see inclusion as a smart move and recognize the benefits of employing people with disabilities,” Ndemezo said, urging more companies to embrace the practice.

Come Ndemezo, the Gender Equity and Social Inclusion Coordinator, stressed the need to encourage companies to adopt inclusion

Dr. Donatille Kanimba, the founding Executive Director of the Rwanda National Union of the Blind, echoed similar sentiments, praising the government and other sectors for their efforts in making people with disabilities feel included.

“Many of us were once afraid to express ourselves, even though we were capable of achieving great things. Now, we have accomplished much, and many with disabilities are more confident in reaching their career goals,” she remarked.

The event promises to be a vibrant celebration of the strides made in disability inclusion while also advocating for continued efforts to ensure people with disabilities can thrive in both professional and personal capacities.
You can nominate and vote for the person or institution of your choice on the link below.
https://rdia.igihe.rw/

Dr. Donatille Kanimba (R), the founding Executive Director of the Rwanda National Union of the Blind is happy with the progress made in disability inclusion.

Sam K Nkurunziza

The funds will be made available to Rwanda upon the completion of an economic review by the IMF Executive Board in mid-December.

A team from the IMF concluded a two-week mission on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, to assess the country’s economic performance, praising its strong growth momentum despite external shocks.

The IMF team, led by Reuben Atoyan, stated that Rwanda’s real GDP is projected to grow by 8.3% in 2024. According to the IMF, this growth is driven by strong performances in the services and construction sectors, as well as a recovery in food crop production.

The team observed that despite external challenges, inflation remains under control, staying within the central bank’s target range of 2% to 8% due to favorable food prices and a tight monetary policy.

Atoyan highlighted that the 6.6% depreciation of the Rwandan Franc against the US dollar was a necessary measure for facilitating essential external adjustments, while international reserves stood at 4.5 months of prospective imports by mid-2024, providing a buffer against external shocks.

“Despite the challenging environment, macroeconomic policy performance through the end of June 2024 remained aligned with program objectives under the PCI/SCF arrangement. All quantitative targets were met, and reforms aimed at enhancing the transparency of public investments and strengthening foreign exchange market functioning are progressing well,” Atoyan stated.

The IMF representative emphasized the Rwandan government’s strong commitment to implementing climate-related reforms under the RSF arrangement, with measures for climate budget tagging, improving the climate resilience of public investments, adopting sustainability disclosure standards, and developing a green taxonomy on track for completion in the coming weeks.

The IMF team acknowledged that recurrent shocks in recent years have complicated the government’s goal of rebuilding policy buffers. Fiscal consolidation has progressed more slowly than anticipated, resulting in a continued increase in the public debt-to-GDP ratio.

However, the government has reiterated its commitment to fiscal prudence, focusing on concessional financing and advancing a medium-term revenue strategy to stabilize its fiscal position.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Straddling the ridge that separates the Congo and Nile water catchment areas, the park lies within the ecologically rich Albertine Rift. This hilly landscape offers stunning views both laterally and from above, inviting explorers to immerse themselves in its natural beauty. As one of the few remaining natural forests in the Congo-Nile Divide, Gishwati-Mukura is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

A visit to this park is a chance to encounter some of the region’s most fascinating species. The park is home to a large number of chimpanzees.

Other species such as servals, genets, civets, and a variety of small mammals roam the forest floors, while amphibians and reptiles thrive in the park’s lush environment.

Birdwatchers will be enthralled by the more than 230 bird species spotted in Gishwati and 160 in Mukura, including the rare Black-Fronted Duiker and Southern Tree Hyrax. The park also boasts over 250 plant species, making it a true botanical treasure trove.

The flora of Gishwati-Mukura is equally captivating. Visitors are greeted by a vibrant mix of montane, bamboo, swamp forests, and grasslands. Towering trees like the Harungana montana, Prunus africana, and the impressive giant tree ferns (Cyathea manniana) dominate the landscape. These species not only add to the park’s natural beauty but play a crucial ecological role, supporting the delicate balance of life within the forest.

Despite its beauty, Gishwati-Mukura has a history of degradation. Human activities, including encroachment, illegal mining, and livestock farming, have taken a toll on the park, particularly on Gishwati forest, which shrunk dramatically from its original 700 square kilometers in the 1930s to just 6 square kilometers by 2002.

However, thanks to ongoing conservation efforts, the forest has since been restored to 15.7 square kilometers. In 2016, the government elevated Gishwati and Mukura from forest reserves to full national park status, marking a significant milestone in their preservation.

For visitors, Gishwati-Mukura National Park offers a wealth of experiences. Those seeking a deeper connection with the local community can participate in a variety of cultural activities, including handicraft-making, beekeeping, and tea plantation tours.

You can stay on a local farm, enjoy live cultural dances, or learn from traditional healers who use natural plants to complement modern medicine. Gishwati-Mukura promises an unforgettable journey into Rwanda’s untamed wilderness.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is home to a large number of chimpanzees.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park also boasts over 250 plant species.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park was gazetted as Rwanda’s fourth national park in 2015.

As one of the few remaining natural forests in the Congo-Nile Divide, Gishwati-Mukura is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Théophile Niyitegeka

The decision was made by the second collegiate court of the National Supreme Court of Specialized Criminal Justice, making Toledo the first of four investigated former presidents to go to jail in Odebrecht case, one of the largest bribery and graft scandals in Latin America.

The 78-year-old former president was extradited from the United States in April last year to face charges for allegedly taking at least 20 million U.S. dollars in bribes from Odebrecht, a Brazilian construction company, in exchange for a government contract to build the Interoceanic Highway linking Peru and Brazil.

During a hearing, Toledo insisted that he was “innocent,” saying that “I never made any arrangement with Mr. (Jorge) Barata,” former head of Odebrecht in Peru.

Peruvian former President Alejandro Toledo in court where he was sentenced to more than 20 years behind bars for accepting bribes in Lima, Peru, on Monday, October 21, 2024

Xinhua