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This acknowledgment came from Dr. Raji Tajudeen, the Acting Deputy Director-General and Head of the Division for Public Health Institutes and Research at Africa CDC, during his visit to Rwanda for the Africa Health International Conference Agenda (AHAIC) 2025.

'Rwanda is a great example. They have made significant progress in advancing primary healthcare. As we gather here today, let’s seize this opportunity to understand how Rwanda achieved this success,' he remarked.

He pointed to the country’s effective response to the Marburg virus outbreak and its ability to reduce related fatalities as clear evidence of the country’s robust healthcare system.

Tajudeen emphasized the importance of improving access to affordable and quality healthcare services, stressing that building a strong primary healthcare system is the key to achieving this goal.

He explained that strengthening primary healthcare involves focusing on the needs of the population and empowering communities to take responsibility for their health.

Additionally, he highlighted how primary healthcare could drive technological innovation, particularly through increased access to the internet and smartphone usage, which already reaches 80% across Africa. Tajudeen also addressed the declining levels of international aid to African countries, urging governments to seek sustainable ways to close funding gaps.

He commended President Paul Kagame for demonstrating that investing in healthcare in Africa is not only possible but essential. 'President Kagame has shown that willingness alone is not enough. What matters is turning commitment into action,' he added.

In Rwanda, the African Centre of Excellence for Medical Equipment Manufacturing (CEBE) has been completed. Its first phase a cost $21 million.

'We must be intentional about learning opportunities. More importantly, we must find ways to deliver affordable and quality healthcare services. How do we achieve that? How do we ensure healthcare is both affordable and effective? The only way is to build a strong primary healthcare system that delivers quality services,' he said.

He further emphasized the need for African countries to develop their pharmaceutical industries and locally produce medical equipment. Acknowledging the growing commitment of African leaders to this cause, he encouraged stakeholders to seize the opportunity to invest in healthcare, assuring them that Africa CDC would continue to provide support.

When asked about Rwanda’s strategy for enhancing primary healthcare, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Rwanda’s Minister of Health, outlined six key pillars driving the country’s success.

First, Rwanda is increasing its healthcare workforce, from community health workers to national referral hospitals. Through the “4×4 Reform” initiative, the country aims to quadruple its health workforce within the next four years.

Second, Rwanda is building capacity by ensuring healthcare workers receive comprehensive training to deliver high-quality care. The third pillar focuses on investing in healthcare infrastructure. Rwanda has constructed 1,280 health posts, representing 57% of the country’s healthcare facilities and 510 health centers.

Rwanda has some of the most sophisticated health equipment in its quest of advancing primary healthcare.

Over the next five years, the government plans to build 100 modern health posts and renovate 420 existing ones, ensuring that each administrative unit has at least one health facility.

The fourth pillar involves leveraging technology in healthcare. Rwanda is adopting advanced medical equipment and promoting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance service delivery and address workforce shortages.

Fifth, the country is committed to improving governance and ensuring efficient management of the healthcare system. Lastly, Rwanda is exploring new methods of health financing to reduce dependence on donor support and promote long-term sustainability.

Nsanzimana emphasized that if African nations prioritize technology and embrace innovations like AI, they can overcome many healthcare challenges and significantly improve service delivery across the continent.

Rwanda’s approach demonstrates that with strategic planning and commitment, it is possible to build a resilient and effective primary healthcare system that serves the needs of the population.

Dr. Raji Tajudeen, the Acting Deputy Director-General and Head of the Division for Public Health Institutes and Research at Africa CDC.

Africa Health International Conference Agenda (AHAIC) 2025 was held in Kigali, Rwanda.

The Acting Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa, Dr. Chikwe Andreas Ihekweazu, attended the conference.

Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Rwanda’s Minister of Health, outlined six key pillars driving the country’s success.

The Director General of AMREF Health Africa, which organized the conference, Dr. Githinji Gitahi, stated that Rwanda’s ability to contain the Marburg virus in a short time demonstrates the country’s well-established healthcare system.

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The two were previously acquitted in 2022 over a controversial 2 million Swiss franc (£1.6m) payment made to Platini in 2011, which was approved by Blatter. The pair maintained their innocence, arguing that the sum was a delayed payment for advisory work Platini had done for FIFA.

However, Swiss federal prosecutors have appealed the ruling, bringing the case back to trial. The new proceedings are expected to last until Thursday, with a final verdict anticipated on March 25, 2025.

Blatter, 88, reaffirmed his innocence in court, stating, 'Lies and deception have never been a part of my life.' Meanwhile, Platini’s legal team defended the original acquittal, insisting the payment was lawful.

A former UEFA president and Ballon d’Or winner, Platini played a key role in European football, captaining France to victory in Euro 1984 and later managing the national team.

The case, originally sparked by a 2015 corruption investigation, led to both men being banned from football for ethics violations. In their first trial, they argued that FIFA was financially struggling at the time of the agreement, causing a delay in Platini’s payment.

With the appeal now underway, the football world is watching closely as one of FIFA’s biggest scandals resurfaces in court.

Platini played a key role in European football, captaining France to victory in Euro 1984 and later managing the national team.

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The call to action was made on Monday, marking World Wildlife Day.

Edith Kabesiime, wildlife campaign manager at World Animal Protection, highlighted that Africa’s iconic wildlife is under immense pressure from human activities, climate change, exploitative policies, and chronic underfunding of conservation efforts.

'Every year, thousands of animals are poached, trafficked, and kept in cruel conditions,' Kabesiime stated in Nairobi, urging stronger protections for wildlife in their natural habitats, rather than exploiting them for sport hunting or social prestige.

The campaigners also emphasized the critical need for adequate funding to sustain wildlife conservation efforts in Africa.

This year’s World Wildlife Day theme, “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet,” stressed the importance of securing financial resources for long-term conservation.

The call for action includes halting the expansion of captive farming for commercial purposes, promoting ethical tourism, and strengthening wildlife protection laws.

World Animal Protection advocates for a harmonious coexistence between wildlife and communities and called for a stronger commitment to ending the exploitation of wild animals.

The United Nations established World Wildlife Day in 2013 to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife in human survival and the urgent need to protect these species.

The campaigners have emphasized the critical need for adequate funding to sustain wildlife conservation efforts in Africa.

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Held at the Fira Gran Via exhibition center in Spain and hosted by the GSMA, the four-day event carries the theme “Converge, Connect, Create,” emphasizing the integration of mobile technologies with AI-driven innovations.

Mats Granryd, the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA)’s director general, highlighted the swift global adoption of 5G, which has now surpassed 2 billion connections, making it the fastest-growing mobile generation in history.

He urged for the removal of barriers to further growth, calling for an acceleration in 5G’s development.

In conjunction with the event, the GSMA released the Mobile Economy Report 2025, which found that mobile technologies and services contributed 5.8% to global GDP in 2024, equating to $6.5 trillion.

The report projects this figure to rise to $11 trillion by 2030, driven largely by the growth of 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), and AI.

MWC 2025 has attracted over 2,800 exhibitors and 1,200 speakers, with expectations of more than 100,000 attendees.

Among the many exhibitors are over 300 Chinese companies, including industry giants such as China Mobile, Huawei, ZTE, and Xiaomi, all showcasing their latest innovations in mobile technology.

The 2025 Mobile World Congress (MWC) kicked off on Monday, bringing together leaders from the tech industry, policymakers, and innovators.

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Katz outlined the plan during a tour of the Jordan Valley, stating in a video message that the 425-km barrier will stretch from the southern part of the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, through the occupied West Bank, to the Samar sands, north of Eilat, in the south of the country.

The project, expected to be completed within three years, aims “to prevent weapons smuggling and terrorism, and strengthen settlements,” Katz said.

He also announced plans to establish new military outposts along the barrier’s route to “reinforce our hold on the area.”

According to Katz, weapons smuggled from Jordan to the West Bank have been used in attacks against Israelis.

Israel has long considered a new fence along the Jordanian border. In November 2024, the Defense Ministry began detailed engineering plans following a September attack at the Allenby Bridge Crossing that killed three Israelis and a Jordanian assailant.

In the West Bank, the Israeli forces continued operations, killing dozens and causing widespread destruction over the past weeks. Meanwhile, talks appear to have stalled on the second phase of a fragile ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.

The old border fence between Israel and Jordan, June 17, 2020. Photo by Jewish News Syndicate

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In a recent interview with the BBC, DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka dismissed calls for an “inclusive dialogue” that includes M23. Instead, she stated that the country’s focus is on diplomatic engagement with Rwanda, which Congolese authorities accuse of fueling the conflict.

Regional leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have urged direct talks between Kinshasa and M23, but the DRC has maintained its stance.

The Angolan-brokered peace talks collapsed in December after Rwanda demanded that the Congolese government negotiate with the rebels.

Despite the DRC government’s claims, Rwanda has repeatedly denied allegations of supporting M23, arguing that insecurity in eastern DRC stems from poor governance.

Kigali asserts that the Congolese government is attempting to divert international attention from the root causes of the conflict, including decades of marginalisation and persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.

In the wake of the capture of Goma and Bukavu, Corneille Nangaa, leader of the AFC rebel alliance, which includes M23, recently reiterated that the fighters are Congolese and do not rely on Rwandan support.

“Kinshasa continues to push a misleading narrative, claiming that any Congolese who speaks Kinyarwanda is Rwandan. Yes, some of our soldiers were born in Rutshuru, Masisi, and Nyiragongo and speak Kinyarwanda. Does that mean they are part of the Rwandan army?” Nangaa posed.

During her interview with the BBC, the prime minister denied any ties between the Congolese army and the FDLR, a group composed of remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

However, multiple reports, including those from United Nations (UN) experts, have documented cooperation between the Congolese army and FDLR fighters in their battle against M23 in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.

In a recent interview with the BBC, DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka dismissed calls for an “inclusive dialogue” that includes M23. Instead, she stated that the country’s focus is on diplomatic engagement with Rwanda, which Congolese authorities accuse of fueling the conflict.

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This contradicts earlier claims by FARDC spokesperson Major General Sylvain Ekenge and other DRC government officials, who alleged that Brig Gen Gakwerere was a Rwandan government employee and had never been in their country.

On March 1, 2025, Brig Gen Gakwerere and 13 other FDLR fighters were handed over to Rwanda by the M23 armed group via the La Corniche border in Rubavu.

M23’s deputy spokesperson, Dr. Oscar Balinda, stated that Brig Gen Gakwerere was captured in Goma, while the other fighters were arrested in various locations in January 2025.

FDLR spokesperson Cure Ngoma has told the BBC that Gakwerere was indeed a senior leader within the group and had been hiding in Goma due to illness.

'I can confirm he had been sick for a long time and was hiding in Goma. He had not been seen for some time because of his illness,' Ngoma stated.

Ngoma also acknowledged that the other captured fighters were FDLR members but expressed doubts about one individual, suggesting he may have been used for propaganda.

Brig Gen Gakwerere, also known as Sibomana Stany, Sibo Stany, and Julius Mokoko, was formerly the Secretary-General of FDLR and the group’s third-highest-ranking official, after its president and top military commander.

During the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, he held the rank of Lieutenant and served at the ESO/Butare military academy under Captain Ildephonse Nizeyimana, the school’s deputy commander.

Reports indicate that Gakwerere led a group of newly recruited soldiers, known as the “New Formula,” responsible for mass killings at roadblocks and other locations in Butare.

He is also believed to have been among the soldiers dispatched by Captain Nizeyimana to assassinate Queen Rosalie Gicanda on April 20, 1994.

Additionally, he is suspected of involvement in the murder of Jean Baptiste Habyarimana, the former governor of Butare Prefecture.

Brigadier General Jean Baptiste Gakwerere, one of FDLR top leaders, was handed over to Rwanda on March 1, 2025.

Brig Gen Gakwerere was handed over along with other FDLR fighters.

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This was a key focus of discussions at the Africa Health International Conference Agenda (AHAIC 2025), currently taking place in Rwanda.

The conference has brought together over 1,400 participants from 56 countries worldwide.

Among the attendees are 51 delegates from the United States, 40 from South Africa, 20 from India, 29 from the United Kingdom, 309 from Kenya, 160 from Rwanda, 74 from Ethiopia, 42 from Nigeria, and 50 from Uganda, among others.

Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, emphasized the urgent need for African countries to build resilient healthcare systems by prioritizing investments in the sector.

'We are in a critical phase where financing for global health in general is being affected, sometimes abruptly. We’re seeing programs for maternal and child health, malaria, disease prevention and control, very critical programs being stopped overnight by traditional supporters and funders,' he noted.

'And this looks like it’s going to continue. And we must be ready, as of yesterday, that if this happens, what are the options we have? […] The reality is that these are abrupt decisions. There will be effects, mainly to the poor communities across. But we also have the means, and we have the courage and the commitment to prevent these damages and the impact to happen to our communities and our programs,' Dr. Nsanzimana added.

Dr. Nsanzimana stressed that these challenges should serve as a wake-up call for African nations to explore self-sustaining solutions rather than relying solely on external aid.

He highlighted the need to rebuild Africa’s healthcare system with a focus on self-reliance and innovative solutions to existing challenges.

The Minister also pointed out that African countries should make strategic choices to cushion the effects of reduced foreign aid while minimizing negative consequences.

Additionally, Dr. Nsanzimana called for greater focus to take bold decisions to address the rising burden of diseases across the continent amid financing decline.

'Even if the disease burden is increasing, we must deal with it from the best. And even if we think that our traditional sources of financing are getting away, we can raise new financing mechanisms, starting from within and also from other partners who are willing and seeing this as an important investment for humanity,' he said.

He also emphasized the role of technology in healthcare, urging African nations to leverage digital innovations to improve healthcare delivery.

Dr. Githinji Gitahi, CEO of AMREF Health Africa, the organization behind the conference, encouraged Africans to view the decline in foreign aid not as a crisis but as an opportunity to develop long-term solutions.

'Today, therefore, we will say we must not have a mourning tone at this conference, because the health system in Africa has not died. We can’t mourn it. It’s been wounded because of a small bump that we expected ahead of the road, but we know where we are taking our communities,' he stated.

'And I think that the most important thing for us to reflect on in this conference is not the survival of our institutions, is not the survival of ourselves, it is what shall we do with the communities for whom global solidarity exists,' added Dr. Githinji.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who addressed the conference virtually, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting African countries in strengthening their healthcare systems.

He urged African nations to work together to boost both domestic and international investment in healthcare to ensure long-term resilience and sustainability.

Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, emphasized the urgent need for African countries to build resilient healthcare systems by prioritizing investments in the sector.

Participants of the conference following discussions at Kigali Convention Centre.

Dr. Githinji Gitahi, CEO of AMREF Health Africa encouraged Africans to view the decline in foreign aid not as a crisis but as an opportunity to develop long-term solutions.

The conference has brought together over 1,400 participants from 56 countries worldwide.

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The upcoming film, expected to be released by mid-2026, promises to deliver a powerful narrative focused on a young woman’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment amidst societal expectations and hidden family secrets.

Ntihabose’s previous work, Kinyarwanda, released in 2011, received international acclaim for its powerful portrayal of unity and reconciliation during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The film highlighted acts of humanity, such as Muslims sheltering Christians in mosques and the struggles of those seeking refuge at Hôtel des Mille Collines, demonstrating the power of human connection in the face of tragedy.

The Miss of The Country follows the story of Rose, a courageous young woman who challenges traditional norms by entering a prestigious national beauty pageant. Her pursuit of the crown becomes a catalyst for uncovering long-buried family secrets and reclaiming her identity. As Rose navigates the complexities of her past, she embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

The film boasts a talented cast, including renowned Rwandan actors Willy Ndahiro and Mazimpaka Jones Kennedy. Kanangire Laurene, known for her appearances in popular Rwandan music videos, will also feature prominently.

Casting is being led by Simon Iyarwema, a highly experienced industry professional whose impressive portfolio includes Shooting Dogs, Shake Hands with the Devil, Sometimes in April, Kinyarwanda, Petit Pays, Avenir, The Last King of Scotland, and Afrikanda. Additional cast members are currently being selected.

Celebrated musician Tom Close will contribute to the film’s soundtrack. Filming will take place across diverse and picturesque locations in Rwanda, including Kinigi in Musanze, Huye, and Kigali, showcasing the country’s natural beauty.

Upon completion, The Miss of The Country will be distributed on major international film networks.

Ntihabose’s return to filmmaking follows a six-year hiatus during which he pursued study and gained professional experience in Canada. He studied film and television at Collège André-Grasset and gained valuable industry experience working with Grandé Montréal (formerly Cinepool Canada), further honing his skills in international cinema.

With a compelling narrative and a talented cast and crew, The Miss of The Country promises to be another captivating film from Ishmael Ntihabose, expected to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Ismaël Ntihabose is a driving force in Rwandan cinema.

Kanangire Laurene, known for her appearances in music videos of renowned Rwandan artists, is one of the actors who will feature in the new film.

Mazimpaka Jones Kennedy is one of the lead actors in the new film.

The casting is being led by Simon Iyarwema, a well-known figure in Rwandan cinema.

Willy Ndahiro (right) is one of the lead actors in the upcoming film.

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