Category: Uncategorized

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the Continental Forum on Education and Youth Employability in Nouakchott, Mauritania, focused on strengthening partnerships in key areas, including education, defence, and security.

The two Heads of State also discussed opportunities for collaboration in agriculture and infrastructure development.

President Kagame arrived in Nouakchott on Monday evening to participate in the forum, organized by the African Union in partnership with UNICEF.

Hosted by Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, who also serves as the current African Union Chairperson, the forum is being held under the theme, 'Educating and Qualifying Our Youth for a Prosperous, Integrated, and Dynamic Africa.'

The forum will focus on transforming Africa’s education systems to meet the demands of the 21st century. Key discussions will cover curriculum reform, teacher development, digital technologies in education, inclusive education, and financing mechanisms for educational transformation.

The conference aims to identify best practices, strengthen partnerships, and explore sustainable solutions to reduce the number of out-of-school children and improve overall learning outcomes.

With the African Union’s theme for 2024 focused on education, the forum will also explore strategies to build resilient education systems that prepare African youth to tackle the continent’s challenges and seize its economic potential.

President Paul Kagame held discussions with his Algerian counterpart Abdelmadjid Tebboune on the sidelines of the Continental Forum on Education and Youth Employability in Nouakchott, Mauritania

The meeting focused on strengthening partnerships in key areas, including education, defence, and security.

The two Heads of State also discussed opportunities for collaboration in agriculture and infrastructure development.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The program, set to be implemented in partnership with Gate Consulting Group, was unveiled during WIFR’s end-of-year dinner in Kigali on Saturday, December 7, 2024. The event was organised to reflect on and celebrate the organisation’s achievements over the past year.

Dozens of representatives from leading institutions across banking, insurance, and related sectors attended the glamorous and highly interactive dinner. Organisations represented included Bank of Kigali, NCBA, BPR, I&M Bank, EcoBank, Old Mutual, ZEP-Re, One Acre Fund, Rwanda Finance, Access to Finance Rwanda, Urwego Bank, Mayfair Insurance, and Old Mutual among others.

Amanda Musiimire, who served as the MC for the event, engages Tony Francis Ntore, CEO of the Rwanda Bankers Association, during the highly interactive dinner.

Speaking at the event, Salma Nkusi, CEO of Gate Consulting Group, praised the partnership with WIFR, saying, “It was an easy collaboration because we both shared the same vision of supporting women’s development.”

According to Nkusi, the mentorship program is designed to bridge leadership gaps by overcoming existing barriers.

“While formal education is invaluable, this program opens up opportunities for employees to network, learn from leaders, and navigate challenges, all while becoming more strategic about their growth,” Nkusi stated.

From left to right: Women in Finance Rwanda Foundation Vice Chair Belinda Bwiza, Founding Chair Lina Higiro, and Gates Consulting Group CEO Salma Nkusi pose for a photo during WIFR’s end-of-year dinner in Kigali on Saturday, December 7, 2024.

Nkusi’s decision to pursue a mentorship program, dubbed 'LiftHerUp’ two years ago, was influenced by her personal career journey as a woman and the valuable lessons she has learned over the years.

“I felt like what I missed, I really want to give it to younger women. One of our key goals is to shift mindsets, helping women realize that they have a voice and can contribute meaningfully at the table,” added the CEO.

In the new partnership, at least 20 women from WIFR’s membership will be onboarded into the nine-month program starting in March 2025. They will benefit from carefully crafted activities and interventions aimed at preparing them for career growth, unlocking their full potential, and building a pipeline of future women leaders.

WIFR’s end-of-year dinner was organised to reflect on and celebrate the organisation’s achievements over the past year.

According to a 2023 report from the World Bank, labour force participation in Rwanda stands at 55.1% for women and 66.4% for men, reflecting a gender gap in employment rates.

Nkusi acknowledged the government’s efforts in increasing women’s participation in the workforce and emphasized the need to boost the number of women in key decision-making positions, particularly in privately owned institutions, where the gap remains huge.

Lina Higiro, the Founding chair of WIFR, encouraged attendees to enrol in the mentorship program as mentors or mentees to build meaningful connections for their career growth.

“Opportunity dances with those already on the dance floor,” quipped Higiro, who currently serves as Regional Head of Business Operations at NCBA Group.

Sylvain Nsabimana, Senior Finance Manager at NCBA Bank Rwanda PLC, also encouraged women to take up the challenge. Having mentored young professionals at NCBA, he believes strongly in the benefits of mentorship in scaling and deepening the sector.

“Young women should step up and take on leadership roles, as they are fully capable of leading institutions,” said Nsabimana, who helps manage WIFR’s finances and accounts.

Meanwhile, during the Saturday dinner, 16 young women were recognized for completing courses undertaken in partnership with different institutions including Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments (CISI).

Some beneficiaries of the WIFR scholarship program, who successfully completed courses undertaken in partnership with various institutions, including the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments (CISI).

Since its launch in 2023, the foundation has extended scholarships to about 50 staff members in the banking sector.

Clarrise Mukantambara, a Loan Officer at BPR Bank Rwanda Plc, expressed her immense joy after successfully completing the scholarship course.

“Thanks to Women in Finance Rwanda and its co-founder Lina Higiro, I’ve had the opportunity to enhance my skills and grow professionally. The knowledge I’ve gained is invaluable, and I’m excited to apply it in my career,” shared Mukantambara.

Access to Finance Rwanda CEO, Iyacu Jean Bosco, announced that AFR, part of the FSD network, will support the WIFR Research project on the State of Women in the Financial Sector in collaboration with the Central Bank (BNR). He emphasized that this initiative would be the first of its kind in Africa. As part of WIFR’s Data Pillar, the research findings will inform policy-making and enhance accountability in the sector.

Access to Finance Rwanda CEO Iyacu Jean Bosco delivers his remarks during the dinner, announcing that AFR, as part of the FSD network, will support the WIFR research project on the state of women in the financial sector in collaboration with the Central Bank.

Building on this momentum, Tony Francis Ntore, CEO of the Rwanda Bankers Association, commended the foundation’s efforts and expressed a strong commitment to continued partnership.

The evening’s program also highlighted the work of Belinda Bwiza, co-founder of WIFR, who spearheaded the Mentorship Pillar, further advancing the organization’s mission to empower women in the financial sector.

As a gesture of gratitude, the WIFR leadership extended appreciation tokens to key partners, including the heads of the Rwanda Bankers Association, Access to Finance Rwanda, and IGIHE, for their unwavering support. Diane Karusisi, CEO of the Bank of Kigali, presented the tokens, while Amanda Musiimire served as the MC for the event.

Diane Karusisi, CEO of the Bank of Kigali, presents tokens of appreciation to key partners for their unwavering support.

With nearly 15 member institutions signing the WIFR Gender Diversity Charter—a framework for measuring and monitoring progress annually—the Rwandan financial sector now leads the way in promoting accountability for gender equality.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

On December 9, 2024, a French court convicted Cameroonian researcher Charles Onana for denying the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The conviction stemmed from his book, Rwanda, la vérité sur l’opération turquoise: quand les archives parlent (Rwanda, the Truth about the Turquoise Operation: When the Archives Speak), published on October 30, 2019.

The verdict followed a complaint filed by three organizations: CPCR, Survie, and IBUKA France. In his book, Onana claimed there was no deliberate plan for the Genocide against the Tutsi.

The court ordered Onana to pay a fine of €7,400 within 120 days, while Damien Serieyx, his publishing director, was fined €5,000. The court explained that both Onana and Serieyx would be eligible for a 20% reduction in their fines if paid within 30 days, but the reduction would not exceed €1,500.

Onana and Serieyx were also ordered to pay €11,000 in damages to the parties who filed complaints.

Commenting on the ruling, Ambassador Nduhungirehe expressed his satisfaction with the “historic decision” of the court.

'I am pleased with the decision of the XVIIth Chamber of the Paris Criminal Court, which has just found Cameroonian writer Charles Onana guilty of denying the Genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi in Rwanda,' he said.

'This is a landmark decision that, I hope, will discourage all journalists, writers, and politicians who engage in genocide denial in Europe and our region,' added Amb. Nduhungirehe.

Raphael Doridant from the Survie organization also welcomed the ruling, emphasizing that Onana’s statements in his book amounted to genocide denial.

Doridant further explained that Onana’s words were an insult to the memory and dignity of genocide victims and their families, calling the court’s decision a victory against genocide denial.

Onana’s legal team, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling and announced plans to appeal the decision.

Minister Nduhungirehe expressed his satisfaction with the “historic decision” of the court in Onana’s trial.

IGIHE

This decision follows a Ministerial Order No. 002/MoH/2024, issued on November 29, 2024, which amends Ministerial Order No. 002/MoH/2019 (April 8, 2019), setting the conditions under which a medical doctor can legally perform an abortion.

Article 5 of the new Ministerial Order, published in the Official Gazette on December 9, 2024, outlines the criteria that must be met for healthcare providers to offer abortion services and expands the list of authorized facilities.

'Abortion is performed in a public or a private health facility authorized by the Ministry in charge of health to operate as a hospital, a health center or a polyclinic. However, the Ministry in charge of health may authorise a clinic that fulfils the requirements to carry out abortion services after assessment of the requirements' states Article 5 of the Order.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in reproductive health have long highlighted that the complexity of legal abortion services often restricts access, particularly when these services are only available in larger hospitals, making it difficult for many women to obtain the care they need.

Legal grounds for performing an abortion include cases where the pregnancy is the result of rape, incest, or forced marriage, where the pregnancy poses a danger to the woman’s health or the fetus, or when the woman is a minor. Abortions are also permitted when the pregnancy threatens the health of the woman or the fetus she is carrying.

With over 512 health centers across Rwanda, the country plans to ensure that all of these centers are staffed with qualified doctors within the next three years, which will increase the availability of comprehensive healthcare services.

The Health Development Initiative Rwanda (HDI Rwanda) has expressed strong support for these recent changes.

In a post shared on X , the organization stated, 'This development is a significant step toward safeguarding the health of women and girls, particularly by addressing the harmful effects of illegal abortions, which have resulted in serious injury or death for many women.'
'This decision will enhance access to safe, reliable, and timely health services for women and girls in need of these critical services,' HDI Rwanda added.

According to data from the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), a total of 4,378 women and girls received medical abortions between 2020 and 2023, citing various reasons.

The RBC report shows that 60% of those who accessed abortion services were victims of sexual violence, 32% had abortions due to health risks to the woman or fetus, 3% were minors, 2% were impregnated by a close relative, and 1% were victims of forced marriages.

The law stipulates that, except when the pregnancy poses a risk to the woman’s health or the life of the child, an abortion should only be performed if the pregnancy is no more than 22 weeks along.

Legal grounds for performing an abortion include cases where the pregnancy is the result of rape, incest, or forced marriage, where the pregnancy poses a danger to the woman’s health or the fetus, or when the woman is a minor.

IGIHE

Upon arrival, Sulayem engaged with young girls at the BK Arena for the “Girls on Track” program welcoming over 100 young women from schools across Kigali to a packed schedule of exciting and inspiring events at the BK Arena.

Joined by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and racing driver, F1 analyst, and presenter Naomi Schiff, the girls took to the track in karts for the first time as well challenging themselves on the simulators, trying their hands at different sporting challenges.

Besides, they had the chance to meet with and hear from inspiring experts from across the world of motorsport who shared their advice and experiences with the girls.

Participants also had the unique opportunity to connect online with FIA Women in Motorsport Chairperson Burcu Çetinkaya who joined them remotely from the Women in Motorsport North America summit in Indianapolis, fostering an inspiring international dialogue.

The participants, involved in karting and e-sport activities, are set to play a role in the upcoming General Assembly events.

Key figures at the program included Minister of Sports Nyirishema Richard, Permanent Secretary Nelly Mukazayire, State Minister of Education Irere Claudette, and Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC) President Gakwaya Christian.

The week-long General Assembly, coinciding with the FIA’s 120th anniversary, will feature ten major activities. These include a tree-planting initiative at Nyandungu Eco-Park, a session for university students on motorsport career opportunities, and visits to the Zipline facility in Muhanga District.

Additionally, there will be a meet-and-greet for motorsport enthusiasts and displays of iconic race cars, including the Toyota Gazoo Racing WRC, Porsche 99X Electric (GEN3 Evo), and Red Bull RB13.

On Thursday, December 12, a session will focus on the role of technology in reducing environmental damage.

The General Assembly and awards ceremony will take place on Friday, December 13, at the BK Arena, recognizing achievements across various motorsport disciplines including Formula One, Rally, and Karting.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem engaged with young girls at the BK Arena.

The President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), Mohammed Ben Sulayem was accompanied by Rwandan officials as he arrived at BK Arena.

IGIHE

The anonymous accuser, identified only as 'Jane Doe,' said the assault happened after she was driven to an MTV Video Music Awards after-party.

The federal lawsuit was originally filed in October in the Southern District of New York, listing Combs as a defendant. It was refiled Sunday to include Carter. Texas-based attorney Tony Buzbee, who filed the suit, did not comment.

Carter called the allegations “idiotic” in a lengthy statement Sunday evening and alleged that Buzbee was engaged in unprofessional behavior.

“These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!! Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away, would you not agree?. These alleged victims would deserve real justice if that were the case,” Carter said in a statement to NBC News.

A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York declined to comment on whether the office is pursuing the case when shown NBC News’ report on the lawsuit.

In a statement, legal representatives for Combs called the suits “shameless publicity stunts, designed to extract payments from celebrities who fear having lies spread about them, just as lies have been spread about Combs.”

“As his legal team has said before, Combs has full confidence in the facts and the integrity of the judicial process. In court, the truth will prevail: that Combs never sexually assaulted or trafficked anyone—man or woman, adult or minor,' the statement read.

Federal prosecutors in New York criminally charged Combs in September with racketeering, sex trafficking and other offenses, and he is behind bars at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center after he was denied bail for a third time last month. His trial is scheduled for May 5, 2025.

Jay Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs pictured together in 2000.

IGIHE

During the International Conference on Genocide prevention held in Kigali on December 9, Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, the center will focus on conducting research on genocide prevention worldwide, a role previously handled by Western international organizations.

The conference brought together diverse participants, including researchers, university professors, representatives of international organizations and other global stakeholders.

It was highlighted the global community lacks full engagement in addressing conflicts that could potentially lead to further genocides if left unchecked. Examples were cited of hate speech and violence targeting the Kinyarwanda speaking Congolese in eastern DRC, the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the war in South Sudan.

Minister Bizimana emphasized that as a country that experienced genocide, Rwanda strongly opposes and actively works to prevent any actions that could lead to division or discrimination, which are the root causes of violence and loss of life.

The conference brought together diverse participants.

He explained that Rwanda, in collaboration with the African Union, has established the African Centre for the Prevention of Genocide to serve as a global platform for research and training.

'The center aims to prevent genocide wherever it may arise globally. It will offer training programs for various groups, including diplomats, researchers, teachers, business people, youth, and others. While the center will primarily focus on Africans, it will also engage international participants in efforts to prevent genocide and its ideologies,' he elaborated.

He also noted that while international organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch produce reports on these issues, Rwanda wants the new center to conduct in-depth research that goes beyond the actions of Western nations.

'We want this center to become a hub for expert, comprehensive research that is not limited to Western narratives,' he said.

Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, said the center will focus on conducting research on genocide prevention worldwide.

Dr. Bizimana further stressed the need for collective efforts to combat the ideology of genocide, as the spread of such ideologies remains pervasive across various social groups, including youth.

Ismael Buchanan, a political science and international relations lecturer at the University of Rwanda, stated that hosting this center provides Rwanda with an important platform to contribute to global genocide prevention.

'Having this center in Rwanda would serve as a global lesson, enabling us to exchange knowledge on how to tackle issues like genocide, which often arise from deep-seated conflicts and hate speech, as seen in places like the DRC,' he said.

Adama Dieng, the African Union’s Special Envoy for the Prevention of Genocide, called the center vital not only for Rwanda, a nation that lived through the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, but also for the entire continent.

Adama Dieng, the African Union’s Special Envoy for the Prevention of Genocide, called the center vital not only for Rwanda but also the entire continent.

'This center will serve as a platform for dialogue and reconciliation, promoting peace and healing not only within Rwanda but across Africa,' he said.

'Remembering the painful history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi is crucial for building a resilient society. This center will help Rwanda and the region to not only heal but also educate the current and future generations about Rwanda’s and Africa’s history,' he added.

Different participants gave different views on the subject of Genocide prevention.

The International Conference on Genocide prevention was held in Kigali on December 9, 2024.

IGIHE

Kagame was warmly welcomed by his Mauritania counterpart Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, who is also the Chairperson of the African Union.

The forum will focus on transforming Africa’s education systems to meet the demands of the 21st century. Key discussions will cover curriculum reform, teacher development, digital technologies in education, inclusive education, and financing mechanisms for educational transformation.

The conference aims to identify best practices, strengthen partnerships, and explore sustainable solutions to reduce the number of out-of-school children and improve overall learning outcomes.

Held under the theme, 'Educating and Qualifying Our Youth for a Prosperous, Integrated, and Dynamic Africa,' the forum will run between December 9-11, 2024.

With the African Union’s theme for 2024 focused on education, the forum will also explore strategies to build resilient education systems that prepare African youth to tackle the continent’s challenges and seize its economic potential.

President Kagame is in Nouakchott, Mauritania where he will attend the Continental Forum on Education and Youth Employability.

This forum underscores the importance of collaboration and innovation in transforming education to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving global economy.

It comes at a time when Africa has made significant strides in expanding access to education but still faces challenges in ensuring quality, inclusive, and equitable education for all.

The continent struggles with high numbers of out-of-school children, poor infrastructure, a shortage of qualified teachers, and the impact of crises such as climate change and conflict.

Upon arrival, President Kagame was warmly welcomed by his Mauritania counterpart Mohamed Ould Ghazouani.

The forum will focus on transforming Africa’s education systems to meet the demands of the 21st century.

Sam K Nkurunziza

According to Karua, the council rejected her application citing incomplete documentation and questioning the necessity of her involvement, sparking a strong protest from the seasoned lawyer.

In a detailed response dated December 9, 2024, Karua expressed dismay over the council’s decision, calling it an attack on her integrity and a disregard for Besigye’s constitutional right to legal representation of his choice. She criticized the council for failing to request additional documentation rather than outright rejecting her application.

'The issues raised in your letter could have been addressed if you had asked for any additional documents you required,' Karua wrote. 'Instead, this decision undermines the spirit of regional cooperation and the principle of justice.'

Karua also dismissed allegations that she misrepresented herself as a practising advocate in Uganda during a December 2, 2024, court appearance. She clarified that she attended the session as a visiting jurist alongside Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who introduced her to the court as awaiting approval for her temporary licence.

The rejection comes at a critical moment in Besigye’s trial, where he and his ally, Obeid Lutale, face charges related to alleged activities undermining Uganda’s security and the illegal possession of firearms. They were controversially apprehended in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 16, 2024, while attending the launch of a book by Karua.

The duo’s trial has drawn widespread attention, with rights groups and legal experts questioning the jurisdiction of the military court over civilians and the political motivations behind the charges.

The next hearing is scheduled for December 10, 2024, following a request by Besigye’s defence team for an adjournment to allow time for Karua’s application to be processed.

Karua’s protest letter also highlighted what she described as 'disparaging and personalized aspersions' on her character by the council. She urged the council to exercise its discretion under the Advocates Act judiciously and to respect regional cooperation principles, particularly within the East African Community.

Dr. Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and long-time critic of President Yoweri Museveni, has faced numerous arrests and trials over his activism. His current trial has further heightened tensions in Uganda’s political landscape.

Karua, a former Kenyan Justice Minister, was seen as a significant boost to the defence team, which includes over 50 lawyers and representatives from the Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU) and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ).

According to Martha Karua, the council rejected her application citing incomplete documentation and questioning the necessity of her involvement, sparking a strong protest from the seasoned lawyer.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

He committed the crimes on November 13, 2024, when Minani opened fire at a bar in the Rushyarara Trading Center, Rubyiruko Village, Nyamasheke District.

The victims were identified as 17-year-old Denis Benemugabo, 20-year-old Onesphore Habumugisha, 44-year-old Zephanie Sindayiheba, 35-year-old Jonas Muhawenimana, and 51-year-old Ezra Nsekambabaye.

Prior to the shooting, Minani had reportedly argued with the bar owner over an unpaid bill.

Witnesses testified that Minani, who had been granted a 10-day leave from duty, went to the bar, where he fired 60 rounds from an SMG-3945 firearm after the disagreement.

The trial, held publicly in Rubyiruko village, was attended by both civilians and military personnel.

Minani’s legal representative, Lawyer Jean Claude Murigande, withdrew from the case, citing rejected claims of mental illness.

The court dismissed this argument, referencing a medical report that confirmed Minani was mentally fit.

The prosecution requested a life sentence, which was upheld by the court, considering the brutal nature of the killings.

Minani confessed to the crimes, expressing remorse and asking the court to take into account the violence he had endured prior to the incident.

The tribunal determined that the killings were premeditated, with Minani leaving the bar to retrieve a weapon, demonstrating intent to commit an act of revenge.

Additionally, it was found that Minani violated military regulations by using a weapon without authorization from his superiors and by stealing military equipment.

Despite the defense’s request for leniency, the court held that the extreme cruelty of killing five people warranted a harsh sentence.

Sgt Minani sentenced to life imprisonment for killing five civilians. The trial, held publicly in Rubyiruko village, was attended by both civilians and military personnel.

IGIHE