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'Abanyabuzare ba Gicumbi muriyo? Muriyo njye? Mwebare kwija, nashemererwa kubareba omubwingi,' he said, throwing everyone into prolonged laughter and excitement.

This is translated as, 'How are you my relatives from Gicumbi? I hope you are well. I am happy to see you today in large numbers.'

Rwanda shares a border with Uganda at Gatuna (Gicumbi district) and Rukiga is the local language used in Kabale, the border town on the Ugandan side.

While in Gicumbi, Kagame held an interactive discussion with various content creators at Mulindi, where RPF and its army wing, RPA, were headquartered during the liberation struggle in the 1990s.

He later hit the campaign trail where he thanked supporters for tirelessly participating in the development of their district.

Kagame told the gathered residents, mainly from Gicumbi, Rulindo, and Burera districts how he had fondly missed them and thanked them for coming out in large numbers to support him.

He reminded them that on July 15, 2024, there would be the task of electing the President, he had all his hopes in them to make the right choice.

The incumbent head of state explained to the residents that the elections signify the continued journey of building Rwanda for the past 30 years, which is based on maintaining the security of this country.

He said, “Building ourselves starts with security, protecting what we build and protecting our people. Development is based on good ideas and governance that leaves no one behind. In the politics of the RPF and the other political parties we work with, we leave no one behind and invite everyone to participate in activities that promote personal and national growth.”

Kagame noted that poverty, ignorance, and disease had ended with those who had destroyed the country many years ago, stressing that the youth, in particular, had a very crucial role in building the country.

He implored them to work together to bring Rwanda to the level of development of advanced countries.

He recalled being in Gicumbi while leading the struggle to liberate Rwanda that began in 1990, thanking them for sticking to the true principles of good governance.

'You are building the city, and I have been told that most of you are engaging in modern farming. But let me tell you, the best is yet to come! That is where we are headed,' he said.

In his keynote address, Kagame told the people of Gicumbi that the development they desire is within reach, thanks to their cooperation, strength, intelligence, and knowledge, especially from the youth.

The residents also responded in the affirmative. “We are Kagame’s lions and forever we shall be,' they chanted.

A resident of Gicumbi and member of the RPF Inkotanyi, Mukarwego Alphonsine, conveyed greetings from fellow parents to the Head of state, who responded in acceptance assuring them of his commitment to move the country forward.

He said, “You will not lack anything from us. You have worked hard, after that voting day, kindly invite me back and I will not hesitate. I will come back to celebrate with you. The bond we together remains the same.'

Over 250,000 residents gathered to hear from the President and all of them left overjoyed and excited.

During his campaign on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, RPF Inkotanyi Presidential candidate Paul Kagame threw supporters into prolonged exuberant excitement and laughter when he started addressing them in Rukiga, a local dialect used in Uganda.

Sam K Nkurunziza

Speaking ahead of his campaign rally in Gicumbi District, the RPF-Inkotanyi Presidential candidate disclosed that it was the Late Fred Gisa Rwigema who was supposed to be sent to the US for military training. Kagame was meant to go to Nigeria.

Ugandan authorities had picked Fred for the opportunity but it coincided with an existing plan by Rwandan refugees serving in the Ugandan army to initiate a liberation struggle in the early ’90s.

As then, Rwigema decided to decline the opportunity and preferred to stay behind to lead the newly formed military wing of the RPF with a sole aim of toppling the Genocidal regime of the Juvenal Habyarimana.

'That’s how I ended up going to the US,' Kagame said during the interaction with various content creators at Mulindi, where RPF and its army wing, RPA, were headquartered.

Several Rwandans held senior ranks in the military at the time and the Ugandan authorities plotted to send them for training in different countries as part of what President Kagame termed as a plot to destabilize their mission to liberate their own motherland.

'It was not me who was supposed to go for that course. I remember even when I arrived, I had to change the documents because everything was registered in Fred Rwigema’s names,' he disclosed.

'When we started organizing, the Ugandans got to know about it. We were doing it discreetly and even encouraging Rwandans from other parts to join the army. Some of us had had the opportunity of being part of the struggle from the beginning,' he recalls.

According to him, the Ugandan system wanted to disorganize their initial plan by sending the top four Rwandan commanders to attend courses outside the country.

Apart from him and Rwigema, Kagame said, “Peter Baingana was destined for Russia while Chris Bunyenyezi was supposed to be sent to some other place but we all agreed to go by our initial plans otherwise we would have to wait for another five years or something,'

He noted that when his group got to know about it, they decided to act fast. 'I talked with Fred and encouraged him not to go anywhere.'

After declining the offer, Rwigema had to be replaced with Kagame.

“Of course, it created a bit of trouble but in the end, he was told that since he had rejected, then I had no choice but to go. They said it had to be either him or me,' he recalls.

To Kagame, this was a clear indication that authorities in the Ugandan army wanted the two separated. They thought if they got rid of one, they would create problems for the other.

'I went back and told Fred that our secrete plans had been discovered. So to avoid a possibility of going to jail, I just accepted the offer otherwise I also did not want,' he reminisces.

He further encouraged Rwigema to go ahead with the plans, promising to find his way back once the implementation stage came.

Unfortunately Rwigema died on the second day of the liberation struggle on October 2, 1990.

His unfortunate death Rwigema forced Kagame to cut short his training in the US and returned to take on the mantle as the leader of struggle.

The RPA forces settled at Mulindi in Gicumbi District, where they established their base. It was at this location that Kagame and the content creators toured and held a conversation ahead of the RPF Inkotanyi presidential candidate’s campaign in the area on Tuesday July 9, 2024.

As a matter of fact, prominent RPF Inkotanyi politicians and senior RPA military officers all stayed at Mulindi during the liberation struggle.

During Tuesday’s engagement, Kagame described an emotional incident when he stayed with his firstborn son, Ivan, in the house for about a week to bond with him.

'When Habyarimana’s plane crashed, the boy was here with me,' Kagame recalled.

All the strategies and meetings that helped the RPA liberate Rwanda, and the ideas used in the Arusha peace talks, were conceived in the area famously known as ‘Umulindi w’Intwari’.

When the Genocide against the Tutsi began on April 7, 1994, it was from this area that the RPA forces emerged to stop it, making Gicumbi among the first districts where RPA forces halted the genocide.

To preserve the liberation history, the National Liberation Museum Park was established at Umulindi w’Intwari to honour the RPA’s fight.

IGIHE

In a statement released Monday, July 8, 2024, the Office of the Government Spokesperson said that nothing will stand in their way while trying to find solutions to the global migration crisis.

'We remain committed to finding solutions to the global migration crisis, including providing safety, dignity and opportunity to refugees and migrants who come to our country,” the government stated.

Rwanda remains unbothered because they have done everything in their means to support the UK in dealing with the crisis of irregular migration despite little appreciation.

“This partnership was initiated by the Government of the UK in order to address the crisis of irregular migration affecting the UK. It’s a problem of the UK, not Rwanda,' the statement reads in part.

Despite the setback and frustration towards Rwanda’s unwavering desire to offer support in solving some of the world’s most challenging problems, the government will not be deterred from showing genuine kindness, empathy, and positive intentions towards others.

“Rwanda has fully upheld its side of the agreement, including with regard to finances, and remains committed to finding solutions to the global migration crisis,' the government said.

Recently, the new UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, announced a decision to terminate the Migration and Economic Development Partnership with Rwanda.

The migration scheme aimed to deter illegal migrants from arriving in the UK via small boats across the English Channel.

The scheme was first announced in April 2022 by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson following successful negotiations with the Rwandan government. However, the implementation of the policy was derailed by court battles and opposition from the House of Lords, which pushed for several amendments.

Starmer’s predecessor, Rishi Sunak of the Conservative Party, had earlier announced that the first flights would depart to Rwanda after the recently concluded polls in which he lost.

This commitment to solving challenges involving immigrants is a testament to the lessons learnt from Rwanda’s history and experiences in which most of its citizens lived many years as immigrants and refugees in other countries due to the insecurity that rocked the country for decades prior to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

In a statement released Monday, July 8, 2024, the Office of the Government Spokesperson said that nothing will stand in their way while trying to find solutions to the global migration crisis.

'We remain committed to finding solutions to the global migration crisis, including providing safety, dignity and opportunity to refugees and migrants who come to our country,” the government stated.

Rwanda remains unbothered because they have done everything in their means to support the UK in dealing with the crisis of irregular migration despite little appreciation.

“This partnership was initiated by the Government of the UK in order to address the crisis of irregular migration affecting the UK. It’s a problem of the UK, not Rwanda,' the statement reads in part.

Despite the setback and frustration towards Rwanda’s unwavering desire to offer support in solving some of the world’s most challenging problems, the government will not be deterred from showing genuine kindness, empathy, and positive intentions towards others.

“Rwanda has fully upheld its side of the agreement, including with regard to finances, and remains committed to finding solutions to the global migration crisis,' the government said.

Recently, the new UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, announced a decision to terminate the Migration and Economic Development Partnership with Rwanda.

The migration scheme aimed to deter illegal migrants from arriving in the UK via small boats across the English Channel.

The scheme was first announced in April 2022 by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson following successful negotiations with the Rwandan government. However, the implementation of the policy was derailed by court battles and opposition from the House of Lords, which pushed for several amendments.

Starmer’s predecessor, Rishi Sunak of the Conservative Party, had earlier announced that the first flights would depart to Rwanda after the recently concluded polls in which he lost.

This commitment to solving challenges involving immigrants is a testament to the lessons learnt from Rwanda’s history and experiences in which most of its citizens lived many years as immigrants and refugees in other countries due to the insecurity that rocked the country for decades prior to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The financing agreement was signed by Rwanda’s Finance Minister, Yusuf Murangwa, and Italy’s Minister of Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto.

The funds will be made available through the Italian Climate Fund, managed by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) bank.

The financing is part of the Italian Mattei Plan’s energy security approach towards Africa and aims to support Rwanda’s National Climate Action Plan and to bolster Rwanda’s climate policy agenda by enhancing its resilience and adaptive capacity to the impact of global warming.

The Ministry of Finance, however, noted that the allocated resources will be made available upon the achievement of policy and institutional reforms that will 'integrate aspects of climate change mitigation and adaptation into the policy and regulatory framework'.

The reforms, the ministry added, will be essential to achieve the national targets for carbon emission reduction.

“Rwanda has placed climate action at the core of its development agenda, as evidenced by our National Determined Contributions (NDCs). To effectively implement the mitigation and adaptation measures outlined in the NDCs, financial, capacity building and technology transfer are essential. Therefore, the agreement we have signed today will significantly contribute to this endeavour, estimated at US$ 11 billion,' Murangwa remarked.

The Italian minister, on his part, expressed confidence in the investment addressing primary drivers of climate-related hazards.

“Italy, through the Climate Fund, continues its efforts to create the best conditions for growth on the African continent. With Rwanda, we will invest in planning, which is necessary to address the major climate issues affecting that region,' the minister stated.

The financing is part of a broader partnership involving multilateral and bilateral financing institutions. These include the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which provided a $319 million Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) agreement to Rwanda in 2022. Other partners include the World Bank Group, the European Union (EU), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and other European development financing institutions through the Team Europe Initiative.

Rwanda’s climate action journey has been quite remarkable as it was one of the first countries to ban plastic bags in 2008 and single-use plastics in 2019. Under the country’s Vision 2050, Rwanda has a bold vision to become a carbon-neutral and climate-resilient economy by the middle of the century.

The government has an ambitious target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 38% by 2030, equivalent to an estimated mitigation of up to 4.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e).

The country’s efforts to limit its contribution to climate change and adapt to the consequences of a warming planet over the next decade are estimated at US $11 billion, made up of $5.7 billion for mitigation, and $5.3 billion for adaptation.

Rwanda secures $31 million funding from ICF

The Rwandan government recently also secured $31 million (approximately RWF 40 billion) to bolster its fight against climate change.

The funding is part of a $61 million investment approved by the governing board of the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) under the Nature, People, and Climate (NPC) investment program to support climate change interventions in the Dominican Republic and Rwanda.

CIF said the funding will help address systemic challenges holding back vulnerable populations in the Kaduha-Gitwe corridor and also support the launch of the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Bond, an innovative capital market structured bond to promote biodiversity, including endangered chimpanzees. Both projects are implemented by the World Bank and co-financing of up to $283 million is expected.

In the Kaduha-Gitwe corridor, the plan will prioritize the restoration of degraded land and the sustainable management of forests and wetlands.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The pledge translates into the creation of at least 680 jobs per day with a special focus on women and youth, according to the ruling party’s five-year manifesto.

The plan entails a stronger collaboration with the private sector to boost productivity and economic growth over the 2024-2029 period.

Available statistics indicate that the job creation rate has been on an upward trajectory over the last seven years. This is despite the measures put in place to protect the health of the population during the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily halted some economic activities.

“By the year 2024, a total of 1,200,000 jobs have been created, representing 80% of the planned target,” the manifesto reads in part.

To achieve the new target, the RPF party plans to continue promoting technical and language skills, improving job market readiness, and supporting entrepreneurs to access capital.

“There will be increased efforts to facilitate small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in accessing capital and enhancing project management skills to create more jobs,” the manifesto adds.

Additionally, the RPF plans to establish a mechanism to increase the number of jobs generated by large projects in various sectors, leveraging existing economic opportunities such as Bugesera International Airport, which is expected to start operations by 2028, Nyagatare Milk Plant, and the newly refurbished Amahoro Stadium.

Other efforts include the creation of a system that would simplify the exchange of information between employers and job seekers.

RPF further commits to promoting and forging partnerships aimed at increasing knowledge and job opportunities in the national, regional, and international job markets through economic diplomacy.

Innovations

The ruling party pledges to improve programs that develop technology and science projects, fostering innovation that creates jobs. The Kagame administration also commits to intensified efforts to create new jobs in cross-border services and the creative industry.

If re-elected the RPF administration also promises to enhance the capacity of professional associations and skill providers (sector skills councils) so that the private sector can collaborate with skill providers to identify and focus on job market needs.

Partnerships between the public and private sectors will also be prioritised to help the youth gain practical experience and learn on the job.

Part of the RPF administration’s plan to create new jobs includes expanding local industries with the output projected to grow by at least 13 percent annually until 2029.

To minimise expenditure on imports, plans are underway to set up a glass manufacturing plant for construction materials and bottles for beverage industries.

Further, the party pledges to increase the capacity of existing industries processing agricultural and livestock products with focus being on adding value to products for both domestic and international markets.

At least three new pharmaceutical industries producing medicines and other medical supplies will be established within the next five years.

Other projects include the establishment of a lithium processing plant to add value before export, alongside improvements in the processing of other valuable minerals like gemstones. A plant for manufacturing ceramics, tiles, and other related products is also among the pledges.

The unemployment rate in Rwanda stood at 12.9 percent by the end of the first quarter of 2024, according to the Labour Force survey conducted by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).

The unemployment rate dropped by 4.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2024. NISR said the significant decline brought back the unemployment rate to the pre-COVID-19 estimate of 13.1 per cent.

The latest trend shows that in the first quarter of 2024, one person was unemployed for every eight people in the labour force.

According to the report, gender disparities persist in unemployment, with females experiencing a higher rate at 14.5 per cent compared to males at 11.5 percent.

Furthermore, youth face a notably higher unemployment rate of 16.6 percent compared to adults at 10.3 percent.

Part of the RPF administration’s plan to create new jobs includes expanding local industries with the output projected to grow by at least 13 percent annually until 2029.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The exams were launched at Groupe SCholaire Gisozi, located in Gasabo District, where 465 candidates, including 239 boys and 226 girls, are expected to sit the exams.

Nationwide, 202,999 students, comprising 91,189 boys and 111,810 girls, will sit the exams at 1,118 sites across the country, concluding on July 10, 2024.

The exams cover five subjects: Mathematics, Kinyarwanda, English, Science and Elementary Technology (SET), and General Knowledge and Religion.

On the first day, candidates sit for two exams, followed by two more the next day, and end with one exam on the final day.

In his remarks, Twagirayezu noted that unlike previous years where education was affected by COVID-19, this year had no significant issues, and students are well-prepared and expected to perform well.

'Exams are a way to assess the students’ understanding. We will continue to review the outcomes, correct what didn’t go well, and reinforce what did,' he said.

In addition to ensuring children attend exams on time, the Minister emphasized the crucial role of parents in supporting their children’s education, working alongside teachers to foster learning, as educating the nation requires collective effort.

'When it comes to exams, which is an annual event, we ask parents to help their children review their lessons, ensure they get enough rest, and arrive at the exam sites on time,' he said.

In his message to the students, Twagirayezu encouraged them to stay calm and perform well, assuring them that the exams were prepared by their teachers, so they should not be fearful.

Regarding students with disabilities, stated that provisions were made according to their needs, including large print materials, readers, and extended time for completion, with a team ready to provide assistance wherever necessary.

As Twagirayezu launched the exams at G.S Gisozi, the State Secretary in MINEDUC, Irere Claudette, launched them at Groupe Scholaire Institute Filip Simaldone in Nyarugenge District.

Officials from various institutions under the Ministry of Education also inaugurated the exams in different parts of the country.

Dr. Bahati Bernard, the Head of the National Examinations and School Inspection Authority (NESA), was in Nyaruguru District at Groupe Scholaire Muhambara.

Rwanda TVET Board (RTB) Director General, Eng. Paul Umukunzi, was at Groupe Scholaire Rusongati in Rubavu, and the Director General in charge of Education Policy and Analysis in the Ministry of Education, Rose Baguma, launched the exams at Groupe Scholaire Mayange in Bugesera District.

Rwanda Education Board Director, Dr. Nelson Mbarushimana, was at Groupe Scholaire Nyakarenzo in Rusizi District, while the Head of the Quality Assurance Department in NESA, Mr Kavutse Vianney Augustine, inaugurated the exams at Groupe Scholaire Musenyi in Nyagatare District

Last year, MINEDUC reported that girls had a higher pass rate compared to boys. Out of 201,679 students who sat the exams, 91.09% passed, with girls making up 55.29% of the pass rate and boys 44.71%.

Minister of Education, Gaspard Twagirayezu, hands over examination papers to students at G.S Gisozi I

Mayor Dusengiyumva hands over examination paper to students.

Minister Twagirayezu told the students not to be afraid because the exams were prepared by their own teachers.

Sam K Nkurunziza

'Be lions, not dogs. A lion cannot become a dog. You have the responsibility and obligation to step in and uphold the legacy that your fathers have established,' he said in reference to the youths, comprising the majority of those who turned up for the rally

The Head of State was addressing hundreds of thousands of fans from Nyagatare and Gatsibo districts while canvasing votes for RPF-Inkotanyi, a political Party for which he is the flag bearer.

Lions are fascinating creatures that inspire awe and admiration for several reasons. They are thought to be strong and courageous. Their social bonds and beauty, are of substantial ecological significance.

It is in this spirit that Kagame implored the people to be fearless, vigilant, and hardworking — traits synonymous with lions in various cultures and contexts.

He gave a rhetoric of how coincidentally, his family fled to neighboring Uganda through Nyagatare district in the 1950s and it’s the same route he used while leading RPA in the liberation struggle.

'I was a young kid when we became refugees in the neighbouring country. Ironically, the route we used to escape is the same route we came through during the liberation struggle in 1990,' he recalled.

'As we fled for our lives, most people left behind were uncertain about tomorrow. Upon return, we have ensured that every Rwandan has hope of living beyond just today.'

Kagame underscored that having fled and returned alive to contribute to Rwanda’s development has made him appreciate how lucky he is.

'I feel like the luckiest person on earth. Going through all those hard times but still survive is not because of my hard work, it’s just a blessing to keep serving my people.

'I don’t take this for granted, I always strive to use this opportunity to extend support to those who need my help while ensuring that those who lost their lives along this journey did not die in vain,' he remarked.

Kagame also addressed residents of Kayonza, Ngoma and Rwamagana districts who pledged to do anything in his reach to accelerate the continuous development strategies put in place by his government.

'Bringing development to your area is not a favour we do for you. It’s our obligation and we have to be held accountable,' he said

The president concluded by thanking other political parties that have merged with RPF in a coalition to extend constructive ideas with a major focus on building the nation.

'We can achieve a lot together despite our differences in beliefs and ideology. Let us all be proud to be Rwandans because the country is also proud to have us together,' he remarked.

Eight political parties in the forthcoming election have formed a coalition with the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF). They are the Liberal Party (PL), Social Democratic Party (PSD), Ideal Democratic Party (PDI), Democratic Union of the Rwandan People’s Party (UDPR), Prosperity and Solidarity Party (PSP) and Rwandan Socialist Party (PSR).

The Head of State was addressing hundreds of thousands of fans from Nyagatare and Gatsibo districts while canvasing votes for RPF-Inkotanyi, a political Party for which he is the flag bearer.

Sam K Nkurunziza

The creation story in the Book of Genesis describes how in just seven days, God created heaven and earth including air, water, plants, animals etc., and on the last day, he created human beings (Adam and Eve).

It is clearly outlined how and why God intentionally created the world, a place we all dearly call home.

In his wisdom, The Almighty designated man as a very special creature and bestowed upon him the responsibility to take good care of all other creatures, according to what is written in the Holy Book.

Collectively, he referred to everything he had put in place as the environment. Whether the creation story is true or not, that’s a discussion for another day.

So, as custodians of God’s very first assignment on co-existence in the world, human beings are expected to exhibit the highest level of discipline in ensuring environmental protection. Unless you are not a believer.

Modern science indicates that environmental sustainability helps in productive co-existence so much that if given attention, it would not only enhance environmental and health benefits but also foster economic growth and security of the world’s energy future.

Environmental sustainability involves measures such as resource conservation, reducing waste, promoting renewable energy and promoting sustainable communities. This struggle begins with humanity.

Experts say that a reduction in reliance on fossil fuels reduces emissions thereby mitigating the world’s carbon footprint, promoting renewable energy sources, and contributing to global efforts in mitigating global warming and climate change.

This is a substantive obligation requiring countries and governments globally to take action in unison.

It may be a negotiation by governments to reduce fossil fuels because as finite resources, their extraction contributes to environmental degradation and yet their conservation promotes renewable energy sources thereby enhancing the world’s energy security.

It may be a relatively brief framework agreement or an extensively detailed policy. Either way, it would be grounded on fundamental principles of justice and equity considering all provisions to set up relevant institutions to enable a global just transition.

This is because depending less on fossil fuels reduces vulnerability to price fluctuations and geopolitical tensions associated with fossil fuel dependence.

Some scholars argue that investing in renewable energy infrastructure can stimulate economic growth and create new job opportunities in an emerging and thriving green economy.

This, they say, can boost local industries, attract foreign investment, and foster innovation in renewable energy technologies.

It means that with extra efforts, the goal of enabling the rapid, equitable, and comprehensive transformation needed to ensure a safe climate, healthy economy, and sustainable future for all people is not beyond reach.

Fortunately, Rwanda stands an advantage. The country has already established itself as a global leader in this regard. Energy policies aligned with long-term sustainability goals and preserving natural resources for future generations are already in place.

Rwanda’s commitment to global initiatives aimed at fostering international cooperation to accelerate a transition to clean energy for everyone is undoubtedly visible.

Already, there are strong provisions relating to the promotion of green/clean energy that exist. Many of them relate to transparency and compliance with international standards.
Thus, there is a treaty in the offing (which I think Rwanda should consider) that requires capacity building to support the global cause of living up to the role of humanity as the original custodians of God’s initial assignment on co-existence.

It requires the world to transition away from fossil fuels as a way of improving public health by reducing air pollution. This shift can lead to fewer respiratory diseases and other health issues associated with poor air quality. This is the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT).

The FFNPT initiative recognizes that the current climate crisis poses an existential threat as serious as the threat of weapons of mass destruction. It stipulates a design directed to incentivize independent country governments to take or avoid particular actions.

With international support, a collaborative effort is currently underway to explore ways to end the expansion of fossil fuels and phase out existing production, based on equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.

This will translate into an end to expansion of oil, gas and coal, and wind down existing production in keeping with what science shows is needed to address the climate crisis.
Accordingly, this threat requires comprehensive responses, like the way the world negotiated nuclear disarmament treaties, and a clear focus on phasing out the production of fossil fuels in line with the 1.5°C global climate goal.

Unfortunately, currently, only a few countries produce renewable energy equipment and technologies. Yet, a renewable energy revolution can offer opportunity for most countries and regions to actively produce equipment for their own needs.

But in my view, Rwanda’s deliberate access to technology can be an appropriate safeguarding tool and an important basis for sound industrialization and economic diversification through environmental protection.

If Rwanda endorsed FFNPT, it would automatically benefit from a Global Just Transition Fund, an initiative set up to facilitate and support economic diversification and the transition to renewable energy.

Rwanda, like many nations globally, should consider embracing the Treaty for several compelling reasons. Besides, this can strengthen diplomatic relations and partnerships with other nations committed to addressing climate change.

From the look of things, significant momentum is building behind the call for a treaty as a means to accelerate a fair, fast and financed transition away from fossil fuels – the main driver of the climate crisis.

Rwanda stands to gain significantly from embracing it and that’s why I think it should be endorsed.

Modern science indicates that environmental sustainability helps in productive co-existence so much that if given attention, it would not only enhance environmental and health benefits but also foster economic growth and security of the world’s energy future.

Sam K Nkurunziza

This follows talks between Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, and DRC’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Gracia Yamba Kazadi, in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

The “constructive and solution-oriented” engagement was facilitated by Tanzania and South Sudan, the two co-chairs of the ongoing retreat bringing together ministers from the member states of the East African Community (EAC).

Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe during the meeting in Zanzibar.

During the meeting, the two ministers are said to have demonstrated goodwill to resolve the existing conflict and endorsed a political solution as the best way out.

The talks were held in the presence of Ministers from Uganda and Kenya, and of the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of political affairs.

Also present at the meeting was Rwanda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation James Kabarebe.

“The meeting took place in a constructive and solution-oriented spirit, and the ministers of the two neighbouring countries, who demonstrated goodwill, underscored the need for a political solution to the crisis in eastern DRC,” Nduhungirehe said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) Sunday.

“In this regard, concrete decisions were taken to reinvigorate Luanda and Nairobi peace processes,” he added without revealing details of the decisions taken.

Rwanda’s Minister of State James Kabarebe during the meeting in Zanzibar.

The three-day retreat kicked off in Zanzibar yesterday and offers a unique opportunity to engage in thoughtful discussions, share insights, and collectively strategize on ways to foster sustainable peace, enhance security cooperation, and strengthen relationships among partner states.

The retreat comes a month after President Paul Kagame urged the EAC Secretariat to convene the ministerial meeting as a matter of urgency to address existing security issues in the region.

Speaking during the 23rd extraordinary summit of EAC Heads of State early last month, President Kagame disclosed an offer by Tanzania President Samia Suluhu to host the meeting.

Rwanda and DRC have been at loggerheads over the conflict in eastern DRC, which some leaders argue poses significant security threats to the Great Lakes region.

The conflict between Rwanda and the DRC has deep historical roots, including issues related to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and the presence of the FDLR militia in eastern DRC. The FDLR militia comprises remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Both countries accuse each other of supporting rebel groups that destabilize the region, but Rwanda denies any involvement.

Efforts under the Luanda and Nairobi processes aim to create sustainable peace by addressing these underlying issues through dialogue, regional cooperation, and comprehensive security arrangements.

The Rwandan government has on several occasions accused DRC leader Felix Tshisekedi of frustrating the peace initiatives.

“There are processes in our region. There is the Luanda process in Angola, and there has been the Nairobi process in Kenya. There have been other efforts to try and help resolve the problems. For Rwanda, we have always been present and have contributed as much as we can to make it work.

“However, Congo had other ideas. When the East African Community deployed forces to help, the next day, he expelled them and selected those he believed would fight for him to continue what he has been doing. He brought in SADC forces and detached Burundi from the East African forces,” President Kagame said during a recent interview on France 24.

The engagement was facilitated by Tanzania and South Sudan, the two co-chairs of the ongoing retreat bringing together ministers from the member states of the East African Community (EAC).

Wycliffe Nyamasege