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Eastern DRC has been plagued by conflict for the past three years, marked by clashes between a coalition of government forces and the armed M23 rebel group, which controls significant areas of North Kivu Province.

The office of President Lourenço, who serves as the African Union-appointed mediator between Rwanda and the DRC, stated that the conversation between the two leaders took place via phone.

From photos shared on social media, it appears that during the call, President Lourenço was accompanied by members of Angola’s foreign affairs and security teams, who had recently represented Angola in the Rwanda-DRC talks held in Luanda on November 25, 2024.

This dialogue followed another discussion President Lourenço held with DRC’s Félix Tshisekedi on November 27.

These engagements came shortly after Rwanda, DRC, and Angola’s envoys agreed on a roadmap to dismantle the FDLR, a terrorist group operating in the region.

The agreement to dismantle the FDLR is structured into three phases, to be completed within three months.

The first phase involves a thorough 15-day assessment of the FDLR’s threat level, pinpointing its bases, and evaluating its arsenal. This stage aims to establish a clear understanding of the group’s capabilities and operational reach.

Following this, the second phase will see the launch of coordinated military offensives targeting the FDLR and its affiliates. These operations will be conducted alongside joint evaluations overseen by Angola’s security leadership, ensuring a comprehensive and unified approach to neutralizing the group.

The final phase focuses on repatriating FDLR combatants back to Rwanda and reintegrating them into civilian life. Concurrently, efforts will be directed toward mending Rwanda-DRC relations, which have been strained since early 2022. This phase underscores the broader objective of fostering long-term peace and stability in the region.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, clarified that the M23 issue was not a primary focus of the November 25 talks. He noted that subsequent meetings would address M23-related concerns.

'We agreed to meet again to find solutions to this issue. As a country, we have highlighted three security concerns between Rwanda and the DRC: dismantling the FDLR, lifting our defensive measures, and resolving the M23 matter,' he said.

President Lourenço aims to facilitate direct dialogue between Kagame and Tshisekedi once their countries’ ministerial-level envoys finalize actionable solutions to restore peace and security in eastern DRC.

The office of President Lourenço, who serves as the African Union-appointed mediator between Rwanda and the DRC, stated that the conversation between the two leaders took place via phone.

From photos shared on social media, it appears that during the call, President Lourenço was accompanied by members of Angola’s foreign affairs and security teams, who had recently represented Angola in the Rwanda-DRC talks held in Luanda on November 25, 2024.

IGIHE

According to Egypt Today, the two ministers explored ways to deepen collaboration in key sectors, including health, trade, economic cooperation, and capacity building. They also discussed the exchange of expertise through training programs facilitated by the Egyptian Agency for Partnership for Development.

The ministers expressed a shared desire to convene a joint committee between the two countries at the earliest opportunity and to organize a business forum during the committee’s proceedings. This forum would aim to foster stronger ties between the private sectors of both nations.

Additionally, the ministers reviewed progress on the “Egypt-Rwanda Magdi Yacoub Heart Center,” a significant initiative that expands the reach of one of Egypt’s leading heart treatment centers to Rwanda. The center is expected to be a major healthcare facility in Rwanda and the wider African region.

In the broader context, the two officials also discussed developments across the African continent. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the African Union’s institutions and promoting sustainable development in line with Agenda 2063. They also pledged mutual support for nominations in regional and international forums.

Rwanda and Egypt share a rich history of diplomatic relations. The Egyptian Embassy in Kigali was established in 1976, and Rwanda re-opened its embassy in Cairo in March 2015. The two countries have forged strong ties across multiple sectors, including political, economic, cultural, and development cooperation.

Both countries are active members of regional organizations such as the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Agency, the African Union, and the Nile Basin Initiative.

The Egypt-Rwanda Joint Commission, which was established in 1989, has seen significant collaboration. In 2009, the second round of the Joint Commission led to the signing of ten cooperation agreements spanning agriculture, education, health, industrial development, and other sectors.

Notably, Egypt played a pivotal role in facilitating the construction of the Magdi Yacoub Rwanda-Egypt Heart Centre, which is set to become the first dedicated cardiac hospital in Rwanda and Sub-Saharan Africa. The $20 million facility, currently under construction in Masaka, Kicukiro District, is expected to be completed in 2025.

In August 2024, the Rwandan government agreed to allocate land for the establishment of an Egyptian logistics hub. In return, Egypt committed to providing land for Rwanda to enhance trade and investment opportunities.

Additionally, Rwandan and Egyptian officials recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the supply of medical equipment and devices for the heart center once it is completed.

These developments reflect the ongoing strengthening of relations between Rwanda and Egypt, underscoring a shared commitment to mutual growth and cooperation across multiple sectors.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe (left), and his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdel Aati (right), held a phone call on Thursday during which they discussed new avenues for strengthening bilateral ties.

IGIHE

As we join the international community in marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the 16 Days of Activism, it is vital to shed light on the ongoing struggles faced by women worldwide, including from Israel and Rwanda, and reaffirm our collective commitment to eradicating this pervasive issue.​​

More than 400 days have passed since Hamas abducted hundreds of civilians from Israel. To date, 101 hostages, including women and children, remain in captivity in the Gaza Strip.

These hostages have been denied Red Cross access, and absolutely no contact with them has been allowed.​​ These precious human beings, including women and daughters, endure unimaginable isolation and suffering.

In this context, we recall that the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Sexual Violence in Conflict has reported that there is clear and convincing information that some of the hostages have been subjected to various forms of sexual violence including rape and sexualized torture and that there are reasonable grounds to believe that such violence is ongoing.

​​This enduring tragedy – which has unfolded over 400 days – underscores the need for urgent action to be undertaken by the international community, in line with the global commitments we have all endorsed under UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.​​ ​​

This landmark resolution calls on us to safeguard women and girls in conflict and prevent their victimization.​​ So long as the hostages remain in custody, and continue to be brutalized by Hamas, we are witnessing the utter failure of the international community to uphold the principles on UNSCR 1325, including the protection of women and girls. We are not only failing Israeli women; we are failing humanity as a whole​​.

We urge you to join in the humanitarian call for the immediate release of all of the hostages being held captive in Gaza by the Hamas terrorist organization, including women, children, husbands and fathers, the elderly and the sick and wounded.

Their plight is a universal concern that transcends politics, bound by our shared commitment to human rights and justice. Let us act together to uphold the dignity and safety of all women and children — as well as all of humankind — affirming the world’s resolve to combat violence against them in every form.

We ask that you take action in your circles of influence — vis-à-vis world decision makers, local leaders and civil society — to orange the world and free the hostages. Let us hope and pray that by the time that next year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is commemorated, all of the hostages being held in Gaza will be reunited with their loved ones, safe and sound in their homes. But their release depends on the actions of each and every one of us. Not apathy and indifference.

Rwanda has made remarkable strides in promoting gender equality, with an unwavering and vocal commitment of HE the president. Despite these advancements, GBV remains a pressing concern.

According to the UNHCR Rwanda GBV Situational Analysis Dashboard for example, over 10,000 cases of GBV were reported in the first half of 2024.

These figures remind us that while progress has been made, the fight against GBV requires sustained efforts and innovative solutions and we all need to work together to eradicate this phenomenon

With hope and determination,

Einat Weiss

Ambassador, State of Israel to Rwanda

Einat Weiss is the Ambassador of the State of Israel to Rwanda.

Einat Weiss

This came during the eighth Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa Week (PIDA Week 2024), held on Nov. 25-29 under the theme “Fostering Resilient and Inclusive Infrastructure for Africa’s Sustainable Growth: Leveraging Transformative Financing and Regional Integration” at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital.

Addressing the closing session Thursday, Kamugisha Kazaura, director for Infrastructure and Energy at the AU Commission, underscored the urgent need to address financing and capacity development gaps as a crucial enabler for the realization of major infrastructure development projects in Africa. Noting the critical gap in financing infrastructure projects in Africa, he stressed the need to strengthen public-private partnerships to bridge the gap.

“We need to mobilize domestic as well as international financing. This is very crucial to be able to bridge the financing gap. In order to be able to implement complex development projects, we need the right requisite technical and capacity building,” Kazaura said.

According to the AU, as a continental initiative spanning until 2040, the PIDA aims to address infrastructure deficits across the continent. The PIDA is a continental initiative adopted by all African countries to mobilize resources to transform Africa with modern infrastructure.

Data from the AU show that through PIDA projects, nearly 30 million people in Africa have gained access to electricity, bringing the continent’s overall electricity access rate to approximately 44 percent. Since the start of PIDA, more than 16,000 km of roads and 4,000 km of railway lines have been developed across the continent.

While addressing the opening session Monday, Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the AU Commission, underscored that the African continent is at a critical juncture in its development. He said the structural transformation of African economies, as envisioned in Agenda 2063, the AU’s 50-year continental development blueprint, requires modern, resilient, and inclusive infrastructure.

Faki underscored that the theme of PIDA Week 2024 reflects Africa’s common commitment to building a prosperous and integrated future for all. He said the PIDA remains Africa’s flagship program for developing cross-border infrastructure that promotes integration and sustainability.

Ethiopian Minister of Transport and Logistics Alemu Sime noted that a significant amount of investment is needed to meet core infrastructure development in developing countries.

“Half of Africa’s population still lack access to electricity, and millions of people have no access to clean drinking water. On top of that, a few people in the continent have access to all weather road and railway network, and Africa is below the global average almost in all aspects,” Sime said.

He said poor physical and digital infrastructure remains the most formidable challenge to boost intra-Africa trade and spur development. Inadequate financial resources and high investment costs are key impediments to Africa’s infrastructure development.

“We cannot rely solely on traditional financing mechanisms. We must leverage innovative funding sources especially public-private partnerships and international financing options to turn our visions into reality,” Sime said.

Xinhua

Rogers Taitika, a spokesperson of Elgon region police, told Xinhua over the phone that local officials and relatives report that over 100 people are missing in the landslides that happened Wednesday night, burying dozens of houses.

Taitika said 14 bodies have so far been retrieved and about 15 people who were critically injured have been admitted at a local health facility. “The search for victims is still going on but more than 100 people are still missing according to local leaders and relatives,” Taitika said.

The landslides, triggered by torrential rains Wednesday night in the mountainous region, buried 40 houses and partially damaged others, according to the URCS.

Ramazan Twalla, a district official, told Xinhua by telephone that urgent humanitarian assistance, including food and temporary shelter, is needed for the affected families.

The URCS said that heavy rains across Uganda are intensifying the adverse effects of climate change. “As a national society, we remain vigilant, delivering early warning messages through our community radio networks and providing timely support to those affected,” the agency said.

Landslides have become frequent in Uganda during periods of heavy rainfall. In August, more than 30 people lost their lives in a landslide at a garbage dump site in central Uganda, following days of torrential rain. Earlier in May, landslides in the western district of Kasese killed eight people.

Rescuers carry the body of a victim retrieved from the site of a garbage dump landslide at Kiteezi landfill in Kampala, Uganda, on Aug. 14, 2024. The death toll of the garbage dump site landslide in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, climbed to 30 Wednesday, a police spokesperson said here. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua)

Xinhua

Attendees of the 3-day meeting include the Second and Fifth Infantry Division Commanders from RDF, the Second Infantry Division Commander and his delegation from UPDF, and Defence Attachés from both nations. These leaders convened to discuss strategies to combat negative activities impacting the border region.

Brig Gen Frank Mutembe, RDF’s 2nd Infantry Division Commander, welcomed the UPDF delegation and emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing illicit activities on the border.

'Such meetings are aimed at discussing challenges our border communities usually face, including drug dealing, illegal border crossing, smuggling, and deforestation,' he noted.

The head of the UPDF delegation, Brig Gen Paul Muhanguzi, expressed gratitude to the leadership of both armies and their Chiefs of Defence Staff for facilitating the meeting.

'We continue to thank our Heads of State for creating this enabling environment. It is a great honour to fulfil the vision of our great leaders and review security requirements for our border communities,' he said.

Before the meeting officially commenced, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to Musanze district officials, joined by the Mayors of Burera and Gicumbi districts, which border Uganda.

Before the meeting officially commenced, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to Musanze district officials, joined by the Mayors of Burera and Gicumbi districts, which border Uganda.

The three-day meeting is taking place in Musanze.

RDF and UPDF gathered in Musanze to discuss strategies to tackle border security issues.

IGIHE

This must-attend event is highlighted by its theme, “Economic Events to Promote Tourism,” aiming to establish powerful synergies between the economy and the tourism sector. This year, Rwanda is honored to be the guest country, celebrating its 50th anniversary with grandeur.

Rwanda: A Story of Transformation and Innovation

Rwanda’s selection as the guest of honor at FIDAK 2024 is a testament to the exceptional relationship between Rwanda and Senegal. In a setting where innovation meets sustainability, Rwanda has managed to reinvent itself through a clear vision of its economic development.

Its participation in the fair will be illustrated by exhibitions showcasing its innovative solutions in sustainable agriculture, tourism, and industry, demonstrating how a country can rise with strength and resilience.

A Focus on Sustainable Tourism

FIDAK 2024 will highlight sustainable tourism, a sector in which Rwanda excels. As a popular destination committed to environmental protection and species conservation, Rwanda will have the opportunity to share its model of responsible tourism.

Throughout the fair, seminars and discussions will explore best practices for reconciling economic development and ecological preservation, thus inspiring other African nations.

Rwanda’s selection as the guest of honor at FIDAK 2024 is a testament to the exceptional relationship between Rwanda and Senegal

Exhibitions and Cultural Events

Rwanda’s presence at FIDAK will be enriched by exhibitions, seminars, and cultural performances. Visitors will discover the rich cultural heritage of Rwanda, including its crafts, cuisine, and music.

Conferences will also be organized to discuss Rwanda’s achievements in economic development, tourism, and local production, serving as a model for other countries in search of sustainable development.

Strengthening Links Between Nations

Rwanda’s participation in FIDAK 2024 also underscores the importance of cross-border cooperation in Africa. Rwanda and Senegal share a common vision focused on economic growth, regional integration, and knowledge exchange. These interactions will not only promote the development of both countries but also enhance the progress of the entire African continent, stimulating intra-African trade.

An Invitation to Innovation and Engagement

FIDAK 2024 will serve as a platform of opportunities for businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs from Rwanda and beyond.

By showcasing their innovative initiatives, participants will have the chance to connect, strengthen their networks, and benefit from a collective growth dynamic. Rwanda, as the guest of honor, embodies this aspiration perfectly: the drive to move forward together.

The International Dakar Fair 2024 promises to be a landmark event where Rwanda, as the guest of honor, will showcase its economic and cultural achievements.

This event will provide a unique opportunity to celebrate the future of tourism and economic development in Africa while reinforcing the fraternal ties between Rwanda and Senegal. Get ready to discover an inspiring Rwanda and explore the many possibilities that this continental gathering has to offer.

[email protected].

Karirima Ngarambe A.

Leaders and experts from the agriculture and food security sectors gathered to discuss innovative solutions and strategies to strengthen global food security and build resilient food systems.

The summit brought together 21 ministers and government officials responsible for global food security, as well as leading experts and scientists from around the world. Discussions focused on current challenges, future opportunities, and the importance of ensuring food systems are resilient and sustainable to address future crises.

Organized by ADNEC in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, the summit highlighted the alarming statistic that over 733 million people worldwide suffer from hunger, a crisis that threatens peace, stability, and human dignity.

The summit also emphasized the vital role of the Islamic Organization for Food Security in tackling these challenges, noting significant progress in 41 member states through initiatives focused on governance, sustainability, and resource mobilization.

A proposal was made for a dedicated Food Security Day for members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, offering a platform for ongoing action and reflection to improve food security systems.

Focus on Africa

A key highlight of the summit was the focus on sustainable agri-food systems in Africa, particularly in West Africa, where approximately 73% of farming households have improved their resilience to climate shocks.

Held for the first time in the region, the summit took place under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, as part of Global Food Week, which ran from November 26—28 at ADNEC Abu Dhabi. The event also featured the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition, the Abu Dhabi Date Show, and the Abu Dhabi Coffee Platform.

Key recommendations

Summit participants stressed sustainability as a key pillar of food security. Recommendations included more efficient resource utilization, the adoption of renewable energy in agriculture, and support for value-added food production. The importance of diversifying export markets and attracting foreign direct investments to stimulate economic growth was also emphasized.

The empowerment of women in agriculture was a central theme, with participants recognizing the critical role women play in advancing economic sustainability within the food sector.

Despite the challenges posed by greenhouse gas emissions, the summit also highlighted opportunities for a transition to clean energy. A six-pillar framework—encompassing inclusivity, incentives, information, investments, institutions, and innovation—was proposed to drive an effective and inclusive transformation in global food systems.

Innovative solutions

The summit showcased cutting-edge solutions to feed the growing global population, emphasizing the need for investments in advanced agricultural technologies and sustainable practices to ensure reliable food supplies for future generations.

Call for global action

The summit concluded with a strong call for global collaboration across food value chains to overcome current challenges and build resilient food systems. Participants stressed the urgent need for international cooperation to create a fair, resilient global food system that guarantees sustainable and healthy food for all.

UAE’s leadership praised

Participants praised the UAE’s leadership in food security, with the summit reaffirming the nation’s commitment to addressing this critical global issue.

The UAE’s Ne’ma initiative, aimed at transforming consumer behavior and reducing food waste, was also commended.

The summit reinforced the importance of investing in scientific research, promoting crop diversification, and adopting sustainable practices, all of which are essential for building resilient food systems and ensuring reliable, sustainable food supplies for future generations.

UAE Minister of Economy, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri delivering remarks at the summit.

Renowned Amercian comedianand TV host Steve Harvey attended the summit. He traveled to UAE after his visit to countries including Rwanda.

The summit brought together 21 ministers and government officials responsible for global food security, as well as leading experts and scientists from around the world.

IGIHE

The program, currently being piloted at Volcanoes National Park, allows tourists to make symbolic financial contributions during real-time interactions with mountain gorillas through digital wallets, similar to accounts provided by mobile money platforms like MoMo. The funds can be used to protect gorilla habitats and enhance their well-being.

So far, 20 mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park have been successfully integrated into the system, enabling the apes to “pay” for essential conservation services like hiring park rangers who protect them.

Developed by Africa-based startup Tehanu, the initiative also incentivizes local communities to participate in wildlife conservation. For example, residents near the park can earn income by undertaking ecosystem-supporting tasks like photographing wildlife, recording animal sounds, or reporting sightings of specific species.

Gorilla tourism remains a key revenue stream for Rwanda, with visitors paying a minimum of $1,500 per person for gorilla trekking permits, which grant access to the park and an hour spent with the gorillas.

Jonathan Ledgard, the CEO and co-founder of Tehanu, told a local daily that the initiative not only enhances conservation funding but also deepens the connection between visitors and Rwanda’s iconic primates, offering a new dimension to eco-tourism in the region.

'By integrating both wildlife and humans into the financial system, the interspecies money initiative aims to create a circular economy that fosters mutual prosperity,' Ledgard told The New Times.

He added: 'In Kigali, you can send money to your village using Momo. Now imagine a bat, a tree, or even a gorilla being able to receive and spend money, all for services that benefit them.'

In developing the digital platform, Tehanu leveraged artificial intelligence to understand the specific needs of the gorillas.

Gorilla tourism remains a key revenue stream for Rwanda, with visitors paying a minimum of $1,500 per person for gorilla trekking permits, which grant access to the park and an hour spent with the gorillas.

In 2023, the number of tourists visiting gorilla sites reached a historic high, growing by 29.4% to 25,927 visitors, according to an April report by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

The tourism sector also saw impressive growth, generating $650 million (Frw 832 billion) in revenue, marking a 35% increase compared to 2022.

Tehanu estimates that Rwanda’s mountain gorilla population has a financial value of approximately $1.4 billion, equivalent to about 10% of the country’s GDP.

So far, 20 mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park have been successfully integrated into the system, enabling the apes to “pay” for essential conservation services like hiring park rangers who protect them.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

“In response to the unfriendly actions of German authorities, which were taken against Russian correspondents … as a mirror measure, it is prescribed to German correspondents to hand over their accreditation certificates and leave the territory of the Russian Federation,” Zakharova said at a media briefing.

She added that Russia will be ready to issue accreditation to new ARD employees after Germany creates conditions for the work of Russian journalists and resumes activities of Channel One’s office.

Earlier in the day, Russian media reported German authorities were closing Channel One’s office in Berlin, requiring a correspondent and a cameraman of the broadcaster to leave Germany in early December.

The broadcaster provided a document by the German authorities, which reportedly stated that “the activities of Channel One represent a significant immediate threat to public order and security in Germany and the EU as they pose a threat to the process of the formation of the public opinion and decision-making in the member states.”

This undated file photo shows the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia in Moscow. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

Xinhua