Category: Uncategorized

  • Rwanda’s central bank maintains policy rate at 6.75% to support price stability #rwanda #RwOT

    The decision was announced on Thursday during the November Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) and Financial Stability Committee (FSC) briefing by Governor Soraya Hakuziyaremye.

    According to the MPC, the decision reflects the Bank’s assessment that current monetary conditions are sufficient to contain inflation within the target band. Headline inflation rose to 7.2% in the third quarter of 2025, up from 6.7% in the previous quarter, driven mainly by increases in core and energy inflation. However, fresh food prices eased, helping limit upward pressure on overall inflation.

    The briefing also addressed recent concerns over fuel prices, which have added pressure to transport and consumer costs. On November 7, the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) announced new pump prices, setting petrol at Frw 1,989 per litre, an increase of Frw 127 from September, while diesel rose to Frw 1,900 per litre, up Frw 92.

    Governor Hakuziyaremye noted that although global crude oil prices are projected to decline by nearly 16% in 2025, the recent domestic price adjustments were driven by higher transportation and logistics costs.

    The Bank projects headline inflation to average 6.9% in 2025 before easing further to 5.8% in 2026, supported by improving agricultural output and moderating international commodity prices. Even so, the MPC warned that risks remain, including adverse weather conditions that could affect harvests and global geopolitical tensions that may disrupt supply chains and increase imported inflation.

    Strong domestic economic performance

    Despite a challenging global environment, Rwanda’s economy continued to show strong momentum. GDP expanded by 7.8% in the second quarter, with positive growth recorded across all major sectors. In the third quarter, economic activity remained robust, with the Composite Index of Economic Activities rising 13.2%, signalling sustained demand and stronger output, particularly in services and industry.

    Merchandise exports recorded a 15% expansion in the third quarter, supported by higher global prices and increased shipments of minerals and coffee. Non-traditional exports, including manufactured products such as wheat flour, cooking oil and animal feeds, grew by 50.5%, reflecting diversification in export earnings.

    Imports also rose by 7.4%, mainly due to increased consumption goods including medicine and corn. The rise in imports contributed to a slight widening of the trade deficit, which expanded by 2.8% compared to the same period last year.

    Exchange rate and financial market trends

    Pressure on the foreign exchange market continued to ease relative to last year. By the end of September, the Rwandan franc had depreciated by 4.03% against the US dollar year-to-date, a notable improvement from 6.49% over the same period in 2024. The central bank attributed this to tightening measures aimed at moderating speculative behaviour and a general weakening of the US dollar globally.

    Money market conditions also shifted in line with recent adjustments in the policy stance. Interbank rates declined to 5.85% in the third quarter, down from 7.25% a year earlier, while average deposit rates fell by 165 basis points to 8.67%, reflecting ample liquidity in the banking system. Lending rates eased slightly to 15.78%, with reductions noted across all major loan maturities.

    The MPC stated that maintaining the Central Bank Rate at 6.75% remains appropriate to support the country’s inflation objectives while sustaining economic growth.

    “The MPC will continue monitoring economic developments and is ready to take further action to ensure price stability,” Governor Hakuziyaremye stated.

    The decision was announced on Thursday during the November Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) and Financial Stability Committee (FSC) briefing by Governor Soraya Hakuziyaremye.

    Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, Soraya Hakuziyaremye, together with the Deputy Governor, Nick Barigye, during a press briefing in which the Central Bank rate to be applied in the next quarter was announced.

    Wycliffe Nyamasege

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/business-62/article/rwanda-s-central-bank-maintains-policy-rate-at-6-75-to-support-price-stability

  • Trump signs bill approving release of Epstein files #rwanda #RwOT

    Trump’s statement came just one day after the U.S. House voted overwhelmingly to approve the bill. On Tuesday night, just a few hours after the House passage, the upper chamber unanimously agreed to immediately pass the bill once it was sent from the House. The Senate passed the bill on Wednesday.

    The bill was introduced in the House in mid-July, but Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, delayed the process for months.

    Democratic Representative Ro Khanna and Republican Representative Thomas Massie have led a discharge petition, which would force a vote once the petition reaches the 218-signature threshold. On November 12, the day the House reconvened for the first time after a 54-day recess, the petition secured the final signature it needed.

    The bill, known as the Epstein Files Transparency Act, requires the DOJ to publish all unclassified records, documents, communications and investigative materials in its possession related to the investigation and prosecution of Epstein.

    This includes materials that relate to Ghislaine Maxwell, who conspired with Epstein to sexually exploit underage girls, flight logs and travel records, and individuals named or referenced in connection with the investigation and prosecution of Epstein.

    The DOJ may withhold certain information, such as personally identifiable information of victims and materials that could jeopardize an active federal investigation.

    Epstein had close connections with many prominent American political and business figures. After being arrested on sexual offense charges, he died in prison in August 2019, in what was officially ruled a suicide.

    During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump promised that, if elected, he would release documents related to the Epstein case. On July 7, however, the Justice Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a memorandum stating that there is no “incriminating client list,” no evidence that Epstein’s death was a murder, and that no further Epstein-related documents would be released.

    Last week, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released Epstein-related documents involving Trump. Republicans on the committee then released a far larger tranche of files as a countermeasure, accusing the Democrats of cherry-picking.

    Trump then directed the DOJ to investigate high-profile Democrats connected to Epstein, including former President Bill Clinton, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, who is a major Democratic donor. U.S. media view the move as an attempt to counter the impact of the Epstein-related documents involving Trump that Democrats recently released.

    “Democrats have used the ‘Epstein’ issue, which affects them far more than the Republican Party, in order to try and distract from our AMAZING Victories,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social on Wednesday night as he announced he had signed the bill.

    On Tuesday night, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer lashed out at Trump on the issue, saying that the president “has tried to cover up for Jeffrey Epstein long enough.”

    “This isn’t about Democrats versus Republicans or about Congress versus the president,” Schumer said. “This is about giving the American people the transparency they’ve been crying for. This is about holding accountable all the people in Jeffrey Epstein’s circle who raped, groomed, targeted, and enabled the abuse of hundreds of girls for years and years.”

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Truth Social on Wednesday night that he had just signed a bill that requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release files related to late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

    Xinhua

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/trump-signs-bill-approving-release-of-epstein-files

  • At least 64 missing after boat capsizes in DR Congo #rwanda #RwOT

    Citing local officials, the report said that the vessel departed the port of Bena Dibele in Sankuru Province on November 13, bound for the capital, Kinshasa, more than 800 km away.

    The boat capsized after encountering “whirlpools”, according to the report. It was carrying about 120 people, of whom only around 50 have been rescued so far, while the others remain missing. Search and rescue operations are underway.

    Waterways remain a key mode of transport in the DRC, where boat accidents are common due to overloading and poor vessel conditions.

    Boat accidents are common in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to overloading and poor vessel conditions.

    Xinhua

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/at-least-64-missing-after-boat-capsizes-in-dr-congo

  • Amb. Dushimimana presents credentials to represent Rwanda in Latvia #rwanda #RwOT

    Following the presentation of credentials, President Rinkēvičs and Amb. Dushimimana held talks on strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation, notably in the areas of trade and investment.

    Amb. Dushimimana also oversees Rwanda’s interests in the Netherlands. The diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Latvia officially began in 2007. Rwanda appointed its ambassador to Latvia in January 2022.

    Latvia is one of the smaller countries in Europe, covering an area of 64,589 square kilometers. Its capital city is Riga, founded in 1201.

    The country has a population of less than two million people. Over 50% of Latvia’s land area is covered by forests, which explains its strong timber industry and overall wealth in wood-related trade.

    Latvia gained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The official and most widely spoken language is Latvian, one of the oldest languages in Europe.

    Ambassador Lambert Dushimimana has presented his letters of credence to Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, to oversee Rwanda’s interests in the country.

    The ceremony took place on October 30, 2025.

    Apart from Latvia, Amb. Dushimimana also oversees Rwanda’s interests in the Netherlands.

    President Rinkēvičs and Amb. Dushimimana held talks on strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation, notably in the areas of trade and investment.

    [email protected]

    Karirima Aimable Ngarambe

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/amb-dushimimana-presents-credentials-to-represent-rwanda-in-latvia

  • Jamaica taps Rwanda to build digital case management system in $4.6M deal #rwanda #RwOT

    The 37-month contract, managed by the Rwanda Cooperation Initiative (RCI), covers system design, deployment, and long-term technical support.

    RCI CEO Patricie Uwase hailed the partnership as a milestone in South-South cooperation, highlighting Rwanda’s growing role in exporting digital governance solutions.

    'This collaboration represents a significant milestone, not only in digitalising justice systems but also in demonstrating how African-led innovation can address global challenges,' she said.

    Chief Justice Bryan Sykes described the system as a transformative step for Jamaica’s courts, noting it will reduce processing delays, cut litigation costs, and make court services more accessible to citizens. Law enforcement officers will also benefit, as case files can now be submitted digitally from any parish office.

    The collaboration stems from a 2022 benchmarking mission, when Jamaican officials visited Rwanda to study its digitalised justice systems. Interest in Rwanda’s IECMS is reportedly growing, with other countries exploring similar partnerships.

    Rwanda has already exported digital solutions to several African nations, including Chad, Eswatini, and Guinea, enhancing public financial management, tax compliance, and procurement transparency.

    Implementation in Jamaica will begin in early 2026 with a three-month needs assessment, followed by system deployment and 20 months of maintenance and technical support to ensure sustainability.

    The 37-month contract, managed by the Rwanda Cooperation Initiative (RCI), covers system design, deployment, and long-term technical support.

    Implementation in Jamaica will begin in early 2026 with a three-month needs assessment, followed by system deployment and 20 months of maintenance and technical support to ensure sustainability.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/jamaica-taps-rwanda-to-build-digital-case-management-system-in-4-6m-deal

  • Rwanda honored at Miriam Makeba tribute concert in Germany #rwanda #RwOT

    The concert, which featured Grammy-nominated artist Somi Kakoma (born in the United States to Rwandan and Ugandan parents), honored Makeba’s contributions to music and social justice, blending jazz and African musical traditions in a performance that highlighted the iconic singer’s political activism.

    Somi, known for her long-standing work bridging African and American cultures, performed a heartfelt tribute to Miriam Makeba, an artist whose international influence transcended music.

    Somi’s performance was a blend of jazz and African musical traditions, underscoring Makeba’s pioneering role in using music as a platform for political activism.

    The evening, enriched by Somi’s distinctive voice and the talented musicians accompanying her, transformed into both a musical experience and a commemorative act.

    The concert highlighted the role of music as a tool for remembrance, emancipation, and the amplification of political causes—values that Makeba passionately championed throughout her life.

    The HKW where the event was hosted, is a renowned multidisciplinary institution in Berlin dedicated to fostering global dialogue through the arts.

    It is known for its commitment to showcasing diverse cultural expressions, including visual arts, performing arts, and literary practices, alongside scientific and cultural discourse.

    The HKW’s inclusive space, free from discrimination, provided an ideal setting for this tribute to Makeba, reinforcing the institution’s mission of cultivating unity and hospitality among global cultures.

    Jeanne Ndatirwa, in her remarks, emphasized that the tribute to Miriam Makeba was a pan-African gesture recognizing the significant contribution of African women to human rights.

    She expressed pride in the diaspora’s heritage and the importance of such events in strengthening cultural ties and mutual respect between nations.

    Dr. Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung, Director and Chief Curator of HKW, reflected on Makeba’s profound impact, stating, 'The concert honors a great artist and political icon who not only brought Africa to the world’s music stages but also placed social justice firmly on the global political agenda.'

    The evening’s events also highlighted the HKW’s dedication to promoting inclusivity, emphasizing that the institution does not tolerate any form of hate or discrimination, including homophobic, racist, antisemitic, and xenophobic actions or speech.

    Somi Kakoma and her team, alongside Mrs. Jeanne Ndatirwa and her husband, Igor Cesar, Ambassador of Rwanda to Berlin. This photo was taken in the Miriam Makeba Hall at the House of World Cultures (Haus der Kulturen der Welt).

    Dr. Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung, Director and Chief Curator of HKW, reflected on Makeba’s profound impact.

    Jeanne Ndatirwa emphasized that the tribute to Miriam Makeba was a pan-African gesture recognizing the significant contribution of African women to human rights.

    Karirima Aimable Ngarambe

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-honored-at-miriam-makeba-tribute-concert-in-germany

  • President Kagame holds talks with World Bank delegation #rwanda #RwOT

    “Their discussions highlighted the strong partnership between Rwanda and the World Bank across key sectors that contribute to Rwanda’s development priorities,” the Office of the President said.

    The World Bank has been a major partner in financing multi-million-dollar projects in Rwanda, supporting initiatives that enhance disaster resilience, urban mobility, and other critical sectors.

    Last month, the World Bank approved $141 million (approximately Frw 205 billion) to strengthen Rwanda’s disaster response capabilities. The funding aims to support national efforts in managing disasters and building resilience, ensuring quicker access to emergency resources, and bridging gaps in funding for affected communities.

    Authorities highlighted that such support is vital, given that disasters like floods, landslides, and earthquakes cost the country about $145 million annually and have historically reduced Rwanda’s GDP by up to 1.75 percent over the last decade.

    In July 2025, Kigali also received a $100 million boost from the World Bank to transform its urban transport system through the Rwanda Urban Mobility Improvement (RUMI) Project.

    The initiative focuses on creating a greener, safer, and more inclusive public transport network, including the development of the Nyabugogo multimodal transit hub, dedicated bus lanes, expanded sidewalks and cycling paths, and the deployment of electric buses. The project is expected to improve access to jobs and services, particularly for women and youth, while promoting climate resilience in the capital.

    Through scuh partnerships, the World Bank has played a pivotal role in advancing Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and National Strategy for Transformation 2 (NST2), supporting projects that contribute to the country’s sustainable growth and long-term development.

    President Kagame met with a World Bank delegation led by Ndiamé Diop at Urugwiro Village on Wednesday, 19 November 2025.

    The World Bank has been a major partner in financing multi-million-dollar projects in Rwanda, supporting initiatives that enhance disaster resilience, urban mobility, and other critical sectors.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/president-kagame-holds-talks-with-world-bank-delegation

  • Prof. Egide Kayitare elected Chairperson of Rwanda National Pharmacy Council #rwanda #RwOT

    Upon election, he promised to work closely with those who have entrusted him with the position to address issues such as antimicrobial resistance in diseases and to protect the dignity and pride of the pharmacy profession.

    The event took place on November 14, 2025, during the 13th annual general assembly of pharmacy professionals, which aimed to assess the achievements made by its members, review their professional direction, and set new strategies to improve the profession.

    Over 700 members attended the assembly, which also presented a five-year study aligned with Rwanda’s Vision 2050, meant to accelerate the country’s development in various sectors, including healthcare.

    The outgoing chairperson, DCG (Rtd) Stanley Nsabimana, said that the event was an opportunity to reflect on progress, while reminding everyone that professionalism requires constant effort and commitment.

    'Today, we meet not just to fulfill legal obligations but to celebrate our achievements, reaffirm our values, and continue our commitment to public health through professional integrity and competence,' he said.

    Dr. Jean Baptiste Ntihumbya, the Director General of Health Quality Services Standards and Regulation at the Ministry of Health, praised the pharmacists’ association for its significant role in improving healthcare services and protecting public health.

    He highlighted the importance of the association’s work in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), stressing that it requires professionalism and attention to patient safety.

    The Ministry of Health assured pharmacists that it would continue supporting their work with knowledge and financial assistance to enhance the association’s operations in technology and capacity building.

    In response to the issue of antimicrobial resistance, the government has implemented a 'one health’ program, focusing on human, animal, and environmental health, recognizing their interconnectedness in combating AMR.

    Other new leaders elected during the assembly include Ntirenganya Remy Pacifique, who was elected vice chairperson, Uwase Marie Ange as secretary, and Byomuhangi Evariste as treasurer, all elected for a three-year term.

    The council has the responsibility of upholding the integrity of their profession, ensuring dedication in their work, and ensuring that all members comply with relevant laws and regulations.

    Professor Pastor Egide Kayitare, a Pharmaceutics lecturer at the University of Rwanda for 26 years, has been elected as the Chairperson of the Rwanda National Pharmacy Council.

    The outgoing chairperson, DCG (Rtd) Stanley Nsabimana, said that the event was an opportunity to reflect on progress, while reminding everyone that professionalism requires constant effort and commitment.

    Member of Parliament and expert in pharmaceuticals, Sibobugingo Gloriose, reminded the members of the association of the fundamental values that should characterize them, namely love for the country, unity, dedication to work, and integrity.

    The outgoing Chairperson, DCG (Rtd) Stanley Nsabimana with his successor Prof. Egide Kayitare.

    Dr. Jean Baptiste Ntihumbya, the Director General of Health Quality Services Standards and Regulation at the Ministry of Health, praised the pharmacists’ association for its significant role in improving healthcare services and protecting public health.

    The event took place on November 14, 2025, during the 13th annual general assembly of pharmacy professionals

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/prof-egide-kayitare-elected-chairperson-of-rwanda-national-pharmacy-council

  • How Belgian Reyntjens and Ngeze orchestrated the plan to falsely accuse the RPF for shooting down Habyarimana’s plane #rwanda #RwOT

    Together, they crafted a false narrative, accusing the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) of being responsible for shooting down the plane of President Juvénal Habyarimana.

    The plane carrying President Juvénal Habyarimana was shot down on the night of April 6, 1994, and was followed by the execution of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

    This genocide was carried out openly across the country, with the involvement of soldiers, gendarmes, the Interahamwe militia, and others.

    Dr. Bizimana highlighted on X that Reyntjens was 'the Belgian who drafted the discriminatory 1978 Constitution for the Habyarimana regime, providing it with legal basis for the oppression and extermination of the Tutsi.'

    According to Dr. Bizimana, Reyntjens’ involvement was not just an academic error; it was the starting point of his long campaign to sanitize the genocidal regime and attack those who ended it.

    He emphasized, 'The Belgian Filip Reyntjens has been committed since 1994 to defending his Rwandan friends involved in the genocide against the Tutsi and using them to fabricate blatant lies against the FPR, accusing the latter of invented crimes of the same magnitude as the genocide against the Tutsi.'

    These tactics, according to Bizimana, were aimed at glorifying the leaders of Habyarimana’s regime by fabricating two genocides, suppressing the truth, and portraying the RPF as a government of genocidaires.

    Dr. Bizimana provided an example of the collaboration between Reyntjens and Ngeze Hassan, the former Editor-in-Chief of Kangura newspaper.

    In a letter addressed to Ngeze on May 9, 1997, Reyntjens suggested that it would be highly beneficial to highlight the role of the RPF in the attack that downed President Habyarimana’s plane.

    He proposed that if there were any RTLM workers in Nairobi, they could be contacted to help investigate whether it would be possible to uncover any information related to his inquiry.

    Reyntjens also expressed his willingness to meet with Ngeze or any other journalists in the near future. Minister Bizimana pointed out that Reyntjens was encouraging Ngeze to accuse the RPF of crimes, despite being fully aware of the genocidal ideology that had influenced his actions.

    Who shot down Habyarimana’s plane?

    An investigation into the shooting down of President Juvénal Habyarimana’s plane was initiated by France in 1998 after the families of those onboard, as well as the plane’s crew and staff, requested it.

    In 2012, Rwanda granted French judges Marc Trévidic and Nathalie Poux permission to enter the country. They announced that the missiles that shot down Habyarimana’s plane came from the Kanombe Military Base, with no connection to the RPA forces reportedly stationed in Masaka.

    There are documents from France’s external intelligence agency, DGSE, showing that France had information on who shot down Habyarimana’s plane starting from April 6, 1994.

    An investigation conducted by Radio France and Mediapart uncovered a DGSE document written to President François Mitterrand, detailing the agency’s information about the attack.

    The document, dated September 22, 1994, was released by the Ministry of Armed Forces in 2015. It stated that 'two extremists,' Colonel Théoneste Bagosora and Laurent Serubuga, were the ones who issued the orders to shoot down Habyarimana’s plane.

    On July 12, 1994, DGSE revealed that the plane was shot down by Hutu extremists seeking to eliminate President Habyarimana, who had agreed to negotiations with the RPF.

    The French were the first to arrive at the crash site and were said to have taken the black box from the plane, which contained critical information about the incident.

    Ngeze: An extremist who hated Tutsis

    Ngeze Hassan was sentenced to 35 years in prison by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in Arusha after being convicted of crimes related to the genocide against the Tutsi and crimes against humanity. Another document written by Reyntjens revealed that Ngeze Hassan played an active role in the 1992 massacres of Tutsis in Bugesera.

    The document states: 'In March 1992, Reyntjens writes, Interahamwe and soldiers from the Presidential Guard and the Mayuya camp (a total of about 75 soldiers) were sent to Bugesera. The soldiers were in civilian clothes and armed with knives and pistols.

    'Individuals, particularly officers from the Ministry of Justice and judicial police inspectors/officers, who might have hindered the operation had been reassigned beforehand. The troublemakers were transported by vehicles from the Public Works Department, and the fuel needed for the operation was provided by Mr. Rwabukumba and Mr. Nzirorera, and allegedly transported by Hassan Ngeze and stored at the home of mayor, Rwambuka.

    'Initially arriving in Gashora, the Interahamwe and soldiers, assisted by local interahamwe, blended in with the population. They then attacked specific pre-determined targets: Tutsi families or those belonging to the opposition. From there, the violence spread.'

    This document highlights how some institutions involved in the genocide provided vehicles for the killers, supplied fuel, and sheltered the perpetrators in high-end hotels.

    The document further notes, 'The criminals were given very comfortable accommodations. Ngeze Hassan, the Chief editor of Kangura, who was involved in the events in Bugesera, came to visit me at the hotel.'

    Minister Bizimana emphasized, 'Ngeze Hassan, whom Filip Reyntjens sought to work with after the halt of the genocide, urging him to collaborate in falsely accusing the RPF, is a hardened criminal because his role in the preparation and execution of the genocide was evident from 1990 onwards.'

    Minister Bizimana pointed out that Reyntjens encouraged Ngeze to accuse the RPF of crimes, despite being fully aware of the genocidal ideology that had influenced his actions.

    Ngeze Hassan’s background

    Ngeze Hassan was born on December 25, 1957, in Rubavu District, Gisenyi Sector. He is known for inciting ethnic division through the Kangura newspaper, which he founded in 1990. Hassan is also known for his work at ONATRACOM, the national public transport authority.

    Hassan is infamous for publishing the “10 Commandments of the Hutu” in December 1990, which fueled hatred among Hutus against Tutsis.

    Kangura, the magazine Ngeze managed, was heavily supported by the MRND party, which was led by President Habyarimana.

    In 1993, Ngeze gained influence on RTLM, a radio station that shared the same genocidal ideology as Kangura. During the genocide, Ngeze regularly provided RTLM with the names of Tutsis who were to be killed, particularly focusing on individuals from Gisenyi Province. He publicly announced these names on RTLM.

    In June 1994, Ngeze fled to Mombasa, Kenya. In 2003, he was arrested by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and tried in 2007. He was initially sentenced to life in prison, but after an appeal, Judge Theodor Meron reduced his sentence to 35 years.

    The plane carrying President Juvénal Habyarimana was shot down on the night of April 6, 1994, and was followed by the execution of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/how-belgian-reyntjens-and-ngeze-orchestrated-the-plan-to-falsely-accuse-the-rpf

  • Trump and Saudi Crown Prince forge new defense and economic ties in Washington #rwanda #RwOT

    The visit featured a formal military salute, a flyover of U.S. fighter jets, and other displays of military power, underscoring Washington’s commitment to deepening ties with Riyadh.

    The meeting between Trump and Prince Mohammed focused on a range of strategic, defense, and business initiatives that could significantly impact the future trajectory of U.S.-Saudi relations. Among the most notable outcomes of the visit was the announcement of a potential sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a shift in U.S. policy.

    Historically, Israel had been the only country in the Middle East authorised to purchase the F-35. Trump stated, “We’ll be selling the F-35s” to Saudi Arabia to enhance its defense capabilities. The move marks a shift in U.S. defense policy, potentially altering the balance of military power in the region.

    In addition to military cooperation, Trump and Prince Mohammed discussed various business ventures, including partnerships in nuclear energy and investments in U.S. technology sectors, particularly artificial intelligence.

    The talks were part of Trump’s broader effort to encourage foreign investment in the U.S. and further strengthen economic ties with Saudi Arabia, a key partner in the region. Additionally, both leaders explored opportunities to expand Saudi investment in U.S. infrastructure projects.

    However, the visit was not without controversy. The U.S.-Saudi relationship has been strained since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, with U.S. intelligence agencies concluding that Prince Mohammed approved the operation. The Prince has consistently denied ordering the murder.

    During the Washington visit, Trump described Khashoggi as 'extremely controversial' and asserted that the crown prince 'knew nothing about it.' He further defended the Crown Prince, calling him 'one of the most respected people in the world' and urging reporters not to 'embarrass our guest by asking a question like that.'

    For his part, Crown Prince Mohammed acknowledged that Khashoggi’s killing was a 'huge mistake' and described the event as 'painful.' He maintained that Saudi authorities conducted a full investigation and implemented reforms to prevent a similar incident in the future, while reiterating that he personally did not approve the operation.

    The discussions between Trump and the Crown Prince are expected to lead to several significant agreements, particularly in defense and business sectors. However, the broader implications for U.S.-Saudi relations, especially concerning human rights, will likely remain a topic of ongoing debate in the years to come.

    President Donald Trump on Tuesday, November 18, hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) at the White House in a high-profile meeting that signalled a renewed focus on U.S.-Saudi strategic and economic relations.

    Rania Umutoni

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/trump-and-saudi-crown-prince-forge-new-defense-and-economic-ties-in-washington