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The two countries signed a funding agreement on October 8, 2024, with the German Development Bank KfW representing the German Government during the signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) in Kigali.

In a statement, MINECOFIN stated that the funds will be channelled into the Pro-Poor Infrastructure Basket, aimed at supporting rural districts by financing essential local infrastructure to improve the living conditions of citizens.

The new funding builds on Germany’s initial contribution of €16 million to launch the basket and complements contributions from other development partners, such as AFD (France) and LuxDev on behalf of the Government of Luxembourg.

The Inclusive Pro-Poor Basket, implemented by the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA), focuses on improving access to basic public services, rehabilitating infrastructure, providing employment opportunities, improving climate resilience, and making a positive impact on women.

The districts earmarked to benefit from the initiative include Gisagara, Nyanza, Ngoma, Nyaruguru, Gatsibo, Nyamagabe, Ruhango, Kamonyi, Rulindo, Gakenke, Burera, Gicumbi, Rutsiro, Nyabihu, Ngororero, and Nyamasheke.

Minister of State in Charge of Public Investments and Resource Mobilization, Mutesi Rusagara, who was among high-ranking officials who attended the signing ceremony, welcomed the additional funding, expressing optimism that it will enable LODA to support local governments in investing more effectively in local economic development projects.

“The Government of Rwanda has set ambitious targets in NST2 to enhance service delivery, reduce poverty, and promote economic growth. The Pro-Poor Basket is an efficient and effective tool to contribute to these goals and, thus, to the implementation of NST2,” she stated.

LODA’s Director General, Claudine Nyinawagaga, highlighted the long-standing working relationship with KfW, noting that setting up and implementing the Pro-Poor Basket in close cooperation with KfW, AFD, and LuxDev marks an important milestone in achieving the socio-economic development of Rwanda’s rural population.

Dr. Simon Koppers, Head of the Central Africa Division at the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), emphasized that Rwandan-German development cooperation has long focused on improving public services and infrastructure for the poor and vulnerable.

He noted that the additional funding for the Pro-Poor Basket is a testament to the enduring strong ties between the two countries.

The signing ceremony, held at The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) was attended by several high-level officials including the Minister of State in charge of Public Investments and Resource Mobilization Mutesi Rusagara, Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA) Director General Claudine Nyinawagaga and Simon Koppers, Head of Central Africa Division at the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Slated to begin on 8th October and continue until 21st October under the slogan 'The UAE Stands with Lebanon', the campaign is aimed at involving the community, institutions, and public sector and private sector organizations.

Speaking about the importance of the campaign, H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has stressed the utmost importance given by the UAE under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to helping the people in Lebanon in their tough humanitarian circumstance.
He expressed confidence in the UAE community — people, businesses and institutions — in standing with people facing crisis situations and extending support to them.

The campaign announcement came close on the heels of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ordering an urgent relief aid package worth US$100 million as part of the country’s efforts to support the people of Lebanon.

The UAE sent 6 planes loaded with around 205 tonnes of medical supplies, food, relief materials, and shelter equipment. This was done in cooperation with international partners such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

EMIRATES NEWS AGENCY

Members of Parliament allied with President William Ruto accuse the 59-year-old politician of corruption, undermining the government, and practicing ethnically divisive politics, among other charges.

Gachagua, however, denies the allegations, insisting that the impeachment motion is a political witch-hunt aimed at illegally hounding him out of office.

The deputy president’s remarks regarding the impeachment plot have been the subject of intense debate in Kenya, as his fallout with his former ally and boss, President Ruto, becomes increasingly apparent.

As the political landscape grows more polarized, pressing questions arise about the future of Kenya’s stability, democracy, and unity.

In the latest episode of our weekly show, The Perspective, we explore the genesis and intrigues surrounding Gachagua’s impeachment and potential pathways toward resolution.

Watch the video below to gain more insights into the situation in Kenya:

Wycliffe Nyamasege

In a notice to passengers, Rwanda’s national carrier stated that this mandatory measure aims to ensure the well-being and safety of everyone as outlined by the Ministry of Health. Passengers can fill out the questionnaire with the assistance of staff from the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) or complete a declaration form online, download the QR code, and present it upon arrival at the airport.

Travellers are also advised to monitor for MVD symptoms—such as fever, severe headaches, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea—before departing Rwanda and to seek medical advice immediately if they experience any of these symptoms.

Rwanda’s national carrier stated that this mandatory measure aims to ensure the well-being and safety of everyone as outlined by the Ministry of Health.

To help curb the spread of the virus, RwandAir stated that passengers should expect routine temperature checks using Thermo-Scan Cameras, as well as the availability of hand sanitizing stations.

The airline emphasized Rwanda’s capacity to manage the health emergency, stating, 'Rwanda’s proven ability to handle public health challenges ensures a safe environment for all travellers. The country’s commitment to scientific and evidence-based responses, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, remains a top priority in safeguarding the well-being of everyone in Rwanda.'

So far, Rwanda has confirmed 56 cases of Marburg disease, with 12 deaths and 8 recoveries. Cumulative tests have surpassed 2,300.

Initial symptoms of Marburg virus disease include high fever, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, and fatigue, followed by gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. As the disease progresses, it can cause severe hemorrhaging, organ failure, and shock.

To prevent infection, health experts recommend strict hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding contact with personal items or bodily fluids of individuals showing symptoms of Marburg virus disease.

Travellers are also advised to monitor for MVD symptoms—such as fever, severe headaches, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea—before departing Rwanda and to seek medical advice immediately if they experience any of these symptoms.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Here are some of the main takeaways:

Climate Action and Sustainability:

Climate change was a dominant theme, with world leaders emphasizing the need for urgent action to tackle the climate crisis. There was a strong push for nations to commit to more ambitious environmental goals, particularly in the context of sustainable development and protecting vulnerable populations most affected by extreme weather events.

Global Inequality and Debt Relief:

Developing nations, especially from the Global South, continued to press for solutions to global inequality and debt relief. Many leaders highlighted the disproportionate impact of economic crises on poorer nations, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and global inflation, urging wealthier countries to step up their support.

Nuclear Disarmament:

The Assembly commemorated the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres warning about the risks of a new arms race. He called for nuclear-armed states to recommit to non-proliferation and emphasized diplomacy and dialogue to de-escalate tensions, particularly concerning North Korea and other geopolitical flashpoints.

Global Conflicts and Humanitarian Crises:

The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan were at the forefront, with calls for increased diplomatic efforts to resolve these crises. President Zelensky of Ukraine and other leaders used the platform to address the international community, appealing for stronger global solidarity.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

There was a renewed focus on reversing the backsliding on SDGs, particularly in education, healthcare, and poverty eradication. Many nations reiterated their commitment to achieving these goals by 2030, despite current economic and environmental challenges.

These discussions reflect the UNGA’s continued role in addressing both immediate crises and long-term global challenges, with an emphasis on cooperation and multilateralism to achieve lasting peace and sustainability.

Get to know these are more by watching the Video below

Sam K Nkurunziza

According to a statement released by RURA, these revised prices will take effect starting at 7 p.m. on October 8 and will remain in place for two months.

RURA explained that the adjustments are a result of recent fluctuations in international petroleum product prices. The last price update occurred in August.

This marks the third consecutive time petrol prices have decreased since April, when RURA raised fuel prices.

The retail price for gasoline dropped from Frw1629 to Frw1574.

IGIHE

The appointment followed the end of the term of the current president, Sahle-Work Zewde, after six years of service as the country’s head of state.

Taye Atske Selassie is the new Ethiopian president.

Xinhua

The RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga said that some people, who engage in such illegal cross-border trade tend to be violent to Police officers involved in enforcement operations.

“There are people, especially in borderline districts, who form groups to engage in smuggling and drug trafficking, and are sometimes violent,” ACP Rutikanga said.

He added: “On Monday, October 7, at about 5 a.m, Police officers foiled a gang of eight smugglers in Nyacyonga Village, Rusiza Cell of Bugeshi Sector, Rubavu District, who had sneaked goods into Rwanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The group dropped the goods and fled back into the same direction. However, they regrouped, crossed back into Rwanda armed with stones and other objects, attacked the Police officers so as to rescue their seized goods.

Despite warnings including shooting in the air to disperse the group, it became more violent and in the process one of them was fatally shot.”

The spokesperson reiterated that such illegal cross-border and smuggling can also be the source other criminal activities like drug traffickers, arms smugglers and people that would want to harm Rwandans.

“It has been observed that some parents engaged in smuggling and drug trafficking activities also involve their children. In any case, stop when you are stopped and don’t be violent towards security organs conducting enforcement operations,” ACP Rutikanga advised.

He lauded the impact of the public in fighting cross-border crimes and called for strengthened partnership against smuggling, drug trafficking and other illegal cross-border activities.

The warning follows recent incident where on of smugglers in Rubavu District was fatally shot as they confrontated Police officers.

IGIHE