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Speaking at the launch of the 6th Annual CIMERWA Golf Tournament, set for November 30 at Kigali Golf Club, Kumar clarified that while a few senior positions were streamlined due to overlapping roles, the majority of the workforce has been retained, with new employment opportunities created both directly and indirectly.

Kumar described the decision as necessary to eliminate duplicate roles after the acquisition but stressed that it was not a mass layoff as some reports have suggested. 'Most of the staff are still with us, and since taking over Prime Cement, we’ve achieved tremendous growth, a result that wouldn’t be possible without our team,' Kumar noted.

'We absorbed nearly all plant staff from Prime Cement, and only a few senior staff at the head office were let go due to role duplication. It was a tough decision, but we felt it was the best course for the company’s future,' he explained.

Kumar highlighted that CIMERWA has continued to expand its workforce since the acquisition, with the company now employing more than 4,200 people directly and indirectly, including 650 positions created in the local community.

CIMERWA CEO, Verma Mangesh Kumar (2nd R) speaking at the launch of the 6th Annual CIMERWA Golf Tournament

'Our first priority is always for Rwandans, whether in logistics, services, or other business opportunities. This is a core aspect of our growth strategy, with a commitment to local hiring and supporting Rwandan service providers' Kumar said.

In addition to addressing the disparities engulfed in the company’s human resource, Kumar detailed CIMERWA’s recent growth in production operations, with a 200% increase since May, significantly reducing the need for imported cement and supporting Rwanda’s trade balance

'Our export business has shown robust growth, helping the country minimize trade deficits and making Rwanda more self-reliant in meeting its cement needs,' Kumar stated.

Kumar also underscored CIMERWA’s ongoing investment in environmental and community initiatives, including a shift toward sustainable practices within the cement industry. 'We’re aware of the environmental impact of cement production and are doing what we can to minimize carbon emissions. Compared to last year, we’ve increased our alternative fuel usage from 15% to over 30%. This shift allows us to reduce emissions while ensuring we continue to meet high-quality standards,' he said.

Eugene Mukabwa, the Vice-Captain of the Kigali Golf Club, highlighted the positive impact of CIMERWA’s sponsorship

As the company addresses the ongoing employment adjustments, it also continues to invest in sports development through the CIMERWA Annual Golf Tournament, now in its sixth year.

Eugene Mukabwa, the Vice-Captain of the Kigali Golf Club, highlighted the positive impact of CIMERWA’s sponsorship on the event, which will see over 100 golfers across six categories.

'Thanks to CIMERWA’s support, this tournament has improved year after year. It’s a public event and a great opportunity for golfers of all levels,' Mukabwa said.

CIMERWA’s annual investment of USD150,000 (over 200million Frw) to USD200,000 (over 270million Frw) in the tournament is part of its broader vision for supporting health, wellness, and community engagement in Rwanda.

Sam K Nkurunziza

However, this technological enhancement also attracts the attention of cybercriminals. Rwanda is one of the highly targeted countries on the continent due to its fast-growing cyber-related technology, and this can negatively impact all facets of the country’s tech ecosystem, from government to corporations, small to medium enterprises, and even individual citizens.

This constant rise and innovation in cybercrime require the need for protecting users and business-critical data. The ease with which attackers exploit vulnerabilities should be cause for concern, not only for larger enterprises and organisations, but also for SMEs and start-ups.

With the government’s commitment to advancing the digital agenda and transformation, building resilience to cyber threats, and ensuring that citizens and businesses in Rwanda benefit from trustworthy digital technologies has become more than just a good idea — it has become a vital imperative for Rwanda’s future.

This holds true for the wider continent, where cyber security is as crucial for economic growth as it is for safeguarding business operations. This was the driving force behind Liquid’s Cyber Security Fusion Centre matrix, leading to the launch of three centres in Africa to date.

In addition to offering an extra layer of protection, the Fusion Centres provide African businesses and governments with access to threat evolution and security data across key markets. As the number of Fusion Centres increases, the battle against cybercrime in Rwanda and across Africa will be significantly strengthened.

The Rwandan government’s commitment to advancing the digital agenda and transformation is laudable. A big part of this effort involves building resilience to cyber threats and ensuring that citizens and businesses in Rwanda benefit from trustworthy digital technologies.

To that end, both the private and public sectors must actively engage in educating businesses, organisations, and individual citizens about cyber security, as well as raising awareness about the potential dangers posed by the online space.

From a business perspective, it’s crucial to recognise that awareness and training in cyber security is not limited to rank-and-file employees alone. Cyber security requires buy-in at the very highest level and it can no longer be viewed as an isolated concern for IT departments.

Cyber security best practices must be implemented right across the board to ensure that employees, a huge threat vector for cybercriminals, cannot be tricked into allowing malicious parties access to company data (through phishing or social engineering attacks).

Failing to educate employees put a business at risk of being breached, as they are a company’s best and first line of defence. It is in line with this that Liquid Intelligent Technologies conducts webinars and workshops to educate corporate personnel on cyber security.

Moreover, every enterprise, regardless of its size, must establish a formal cyber security framework aligned with its strategy and objectives. This requires continuous management and improvement of the technologies and systems, alongside the establishment of an Information Security Management System (ISMS) and resilience controls.

Any business that is uncertain about its ability to mitigate cyber-attacks should employ the services of experts. Liquid, for example, offers a full 360-degree cyber security threat assessment for potential clients and tailors a strategy to meet their specific needs.

The cost of a successful breach far exceeds the investment in ongoing cyber security. Additionally, with the increasing number of local and global regulations around data protection and security, there is an added cost of business reputation.

Investing in a solid and dependable cyber security strategy might appear as an additional burden on the balance sheet. However, in a landscape marked by threats and trickery, cyber risk and business risk are now inextricably intertwined more than ever before.

Rwanda’s growth depends on our awareness and implementation of cyber security. To pretend otherwise would be foolhardy.

The Author is the Chief Executive Officer at Liquid Intelligent Technologies Rwanda

Alexis Kabeja

The pressure on Welby intensified last week, especially after he initially declined to take full responsibility for not reporting the abuses in both England and Africa back in 2013.

This reluctance fueled public frustration, highlighting concerns over a perceived lack of accountability within the church. By Tuesday, Welby acknowledged his role in the delays.

'It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatizing period between 2013 and 2024,' Welby said in the statement.

'I believe that stepping aside is in the best interests of the Church of England, which I dearly love and which I have been honored to serve,' he added.

Welby’s departure is expected to impact the Anglican Communion globally. While each national branch has its own leadership, the Archbishop of Canterbury is seen as the senior figure among equals in the 85-million-strong global community, which includes the U.S.-based Episcopal Church.

Before this controversy, Welby was already a polarizing figure. A former oil executive turned priest, he became known for his mediation efforts in conflict zones such as Nigeria. Despite his skills in diplomacy, he faced challenges in uniting the Anglican Communion, which has clashed internally over issues like LGBTQ+ rights and women’s roles in church leadership.

The recent resignation follows a damning report by the Makin Review, commissioned by the Church of England to investigate abuse allegations against John Smyth, a prominent lawyer.

Smyth, who died in 2018, was accused of physically, sexually, and psychologically abusing approximately 30 young men and boys in the U.K. and over 80 in Africa from the 1970s onward.

The 251-page report concluded that Welby did not report Smyth to authorities when he was informed in August 2013, shortly after becoming Archbishop. The report suggested that earlier reporting could have prevented further harm to victims.

Welby explained that he had been misinformed about police involvement and, though regretful, accepted responsibility for not ensuring the investigation was pursued as “energetically” as it should have been.

Just a day before his resignation, Welby’s office stated he had chosen to remain in his position, even as he expressed horror over the extent of Smyth’s abuses.

Some church members, including Newcastle’s Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley, deemed his continued leadership 'untenable.' Additionally, a petition calling for Welby’s resignation began circulating among members of the General Synod, the national assembly of the Church of England.

The most vocal calls for his resignation came from Smyth’s victims, with Andrew Morse, one of those abused, suggesting that Welby’s stepping down could help begin the process of healing the damage caused by the church’s broader mishandling of historical abuse cases.

This resignation adds to ongoing scrutiny of the Church of England’s historical response to sexual abuse within its ranks.

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has stepped down amid criticism over handling of sex abuse scandal.

IGIHE

According to an RCS statement released on November 11, 2024, these dismissals were confirmed by Cabinet Meeting resolutions from November 9, 2024.

The primary reasons cited include professional misconduct such as indiscipline, corruption, and other offenses.

The RCS highlighted that these actions align with its commitment to uphold high standards and values within the service.

In a similar move earlier in May 2024, judicial authorities had investigated over 135 prison officers for various offenses.

Of these, 20 were promptly reinstated, while others were referred to the Rwanda Investigation Bureau, with several recommended for permanent dismissal from their roles.

This photo shows prison warders at a past passout ceremony.

IGIHE

Xinhua

The agency is tasked with implementing foreign aid programs in line with the general policy for international humanitarian affairs. Its responsibilities include planning, overseeing, executing, and monitoring official government support, with a particular focus on disaster relief, early recovery programs, post-conflict stabilization, development programs, and capacity building programs.

Speaking on the occasion of the establishment of the UAE Aid Agency, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, said, “The establishment of the UAE Aid Agency represents a continuation of the steadfast humanitarian legacy laid by our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

'This approach reflects the UAE’s dedication to addressing humanitarian challenges and fostering sustainable development globally. The country pursues this mission under the wise leadership and enduring support of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan affirming the commitment of the leadership, government, and nation to advancing this noble humanitarian endeavor.'

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated, “The establishment of the UAE Aid Agency reaffirms the UAE’s humanitarian role in providing essential assistance, improving living conditions, and supporting communities and people across all continents.”

His Highness emphasized the UAE’s commitment to collaborate with international partners to create a tangible and lasting positive impact, especially in regions affected by crises and instability, with a focus on vital areas such as educational services, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure sectors to achieve sustainable development and prosperity for all.

H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, said, “With the formation of the UAE Aid Agency, we are reaffirming our commitment to addressing global humanitarian challenges and promoting sustainable development in a strategic and coordinated manner.”

He added that the agency aims to enhance the impact of UAE’s global priority foreign aid. It seeks to maximize positive outcomes in executing humanitarian relief programs, initiatives, and developmental projects worldwide, aligning with the UAE’s role and stature in regional and international humanitarian and developmental efforts.

The UAE is considered one of the world’s most generous donor countries. Latest figures show the UAE, since its founding by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, has contributed over US$98 billion (AED360 billion) in foreign assistance, which has benefited over one billion people worldwide.

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President Kagame Attends COP29

President Paul Kagame arrived in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, to join world leaders for the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29).

During his stay, President Kagame is expected to hold bilateral meetings with various leaders, including Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.

Calls for increased climate financing are anticipated to dominate COP29, which runs from November 11 to November 22, 2024.

President Paul Kagame arrived in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

Trump Expected to name Marco Rubio as Secretary of State

United States President-elect Donald Trump is expected to nominate Sen. Marco Rubio as secretary of state.

If confirmed as America’s top diplomat, Rubio would become the face of Trump’s foreign policy, crisscrossing the globe to articulate the president-elect’s America First doctrine. He will be the first Latino to serve in the role.

Donald Trump and Sen. Marco Rubio at a campaign rally on November 4, 2024 in Raleigh, NC.

The Florida Senator has in past years advocated for a muscular foreign policy with respect to America’s geopolitical foes, including China, Iran and Cuba.

Sources close to the Republican also indicate that Trump has Rep. Mike Waltz to be the White House national security adviser.

The reports come just hours after Trump designated Tom Homan, his former acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement director, to serve as 'border czar' in his incoming administration, a position that is likely to play a key role in Trump’s campaign pledges to secure the U.S.-Mexico border and deal with illegal migration.

Women in U.S. Stockpile Abortion Pills Over Ban Fears

The Washington Post reports that women are increasingly seeking abortion medication ahead of a Trump presidency, fearing restricted reproductive care access.

Aid Access, a major abortion pill provider, is reported to have received 10,000 requests within 24 hours after Trump’s election—a dramatic surge from the usual 600 per day.

During the 2024 campaign, Trump adopted a clear stance on abortion, emphasizing that abortion laws should be managed by individual states rather than at the federal level.

Although he previously hinted at potentially supporting a 15- or 16-week federal ban with exceptions for cases like rape, incest, or life-threatening conditions, he ultimately confirmed he would not endorse a national abortion ban.

He stated that if a federal abortion ban reached his desk, he would veto it, affirming his position on state-level control over abortion policy.

Jets from US airlines struck by gunfire over Haiti’s capital

Two jets from U.S.-based airlines were hit by gunfire on Monday while flying over Port-au-Prince, Haiti, prompting Haitian authorities to suspend all flights in and out of the capital due to escalating gang violence.

Officials confirmed that a Spirit Airlines flight attendant was injured after Flight 951 from Fort Lauderdale in Florida to Port-au-Princ was struck by several rounds of gunfire while trying to land in Haiti.

An image shows damage to the interior of the Spirit Airlines plane.

JetBlue also temporarily cancelled flights to and from Haiti after damage from a bullet was identified in one of its planes returning from Haiti.

Gang violence in Haiti has intensified due to the country’s ongoing political instability, especially after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. The killing of the Head of the Head of State created a power vacuum that further weakened governance and fueled gang activity.

Kenya is now leading a United Nations-sanctioned multinational mission aimed at restoring law and order in Haiti.

Opposition calls for protests at Mozambique border posts, ports

Tensions in Mozambique continue as opposition presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane calls for gatherings at ports, borders, and major cities starting Wednesday, marking the fourth round of demonstrations against recent election results.

Soldiers on Eduardo Mondlane Avenue in Maputo during demonstrations on November 7, 2024.

Mondlane has led protests since the ruling Frelimo party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, was declared the winner last month with 70.67% of the vote. Mondlane, representing Podemos, received 20.32%. Mondlane accuses the ruling party of electoral fraud and his claims have intensified public outrage and fueled ongoing unrest.

IGIHE

The Commission declared ruling Frelimo party candidate Daniel Chapo the winner, with 70.67% of the votes, while Mondlane, representing Podemos, received 20.32%. Mondlane subsequently alleged electoral fraud, fueling public outrage.

The Rwandan community in Maputo was urged to take precautions due to concerns that protesters might target them. Social media rumors suggested that Rwandan forces stationed in Cabo Delgado had been deployed to Maputo to control the demonstrations. However, Rwanda refuted these claims.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, recently announced that the Rwandan Embassy in Maputo would close on November 6 and 7, advising Rwandans to remain at home.

Jean Damascène Iyamuremye, the Deputy President of the Rwandan Community in Mozambique, spoke with IGIHE about the impact of the protests on the Rwandan community and their current situation following the third phase of demonstrations, which ended on November 7, 2024.

Iyamuremye clarified that relations between Rwandans and Mozambicans are generally positive, dismissing the rumors of Rwandan forces’ involvement in Maputo as attempts by opportunists seeking to incite unrest and target Rwandan-owned businesses for looting.

'There is no real conflict between Rwandans and Mozambicans; we coexist peacefully. Those spreading rumors are opportunists aiming to justify looting by sowing divisions,' he stated. 'The Mozambican government, in collaboration with security agencies, has condemned such actions.'

The protests, however, have disrupted local businesses, including those owned by Rwandans selling food and beverages. According to Iyamuremye, looters have specifically targeted these businesses during chaotic episodes.

'Some protesters break into shops looking for food and beverages. Many shop owners have suffered substantial losses due to looting, and others fear they might be next, with no end to the unrest in sight.'

Human Rights Watch reported that as of November 7, the protests had resulted in up to 30 deaths, including three fatalities and 66 injuries on November 6 alone.

Iyamuremye reported that two Rwandans were injured during the protests. One was struck by a rock while assisting a friend whose shop was being looted, and the other was beaten by protesters after refusing to join them, as he was focused on carrying his goods.

He emphasized that these injuries were not due to the victims’ nationality but rather were general acts of violence amid the unrest. Both individuals are now recovering well.

On November 11, Mondlane announced that a fourth phase of protests would take place from Wednesday to Friday, promising a more intense demonstration.

Iyamuremye advised Rwandans in Mozambique to heed guidance from local authorities and Rwandan representatives, staying home until further notice or an assurance of restored safety.

Meanwhile, Mondlane has taken his grievance to the Constitutional Court, requesting the annulment of the election results.

The Mozambican government has urged him to wait for the court’s decision, but he remains defiant in his call for protests.

Maputo protests have disrupted local businesses, including those owned by Rwandans selling food and beverages.

IGIHE

The RWAFPU3-3 is commanded by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Thomas Kayonga.

RWAFPU3-2 commanded by Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Methode Munyaneza, returned home later in the afternoon, after a successful one-year tour-of-duty.

Rwanda began deploying police officers under the MINUSCA mission in 2014.

Rwanda has four police units involved in this mission. These include RWAPSU and RWAFRU-1, both of which operate in the capital, Bangui, with each unit comprising 140 police officers.

The FPUs specialize in public order management, protection of civilians, delivery of humanitarian assistance, escort duties and protection of UN facilities.

IGIHE

Its purpose is to provide the investment community with a benchmark of market infrastructure across the continent and equip policymakers with insights from developments throughout Africa.

In line with this improved ranking, Rwanda listed its first domestic sustainability-linked bond in September 2023.

Additionally, the country introduced new climate-related financial regulations that reflect its commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.

These developments contributed to a three-point increase in Rwanda’s overall score to 47 from 44 in 2023 scores.

Now in its eighth year, the Absa Africa Financial Markets Index, produced by OMFIF in association with Absa Group Limited, evaluates the financial development of 29 African nations, offering valuable insights and benchmarks for investors. It serves as a key resource for understanding market infrastructure while enabling policymakers to learn from key trends across the continent.

Commenting on the ranking, the Chief Executive Officer of the Capital Market Authority of Rwanda, Thapelo Tsheole noted; “Rwanda has fully embraced ESG principles, reflected in our recent listings in this category. We remain committed to continuous improvement, and our financial sector is poised for further growth. Work is already underway to improve Rwandan ranking.”

The annual index ranks the maturity, openness, and accessibility of 29 African financial markets based on qualitative and quantitative criteria. It emphasizes the development of local investor capacity and enhances the ability to attract foreign capital.

The Absa Africa Financial Markets Index highlights significant investment opportunities and reveals untapped market potential through expert analysis of Africa’s financial landscapes.

The index is structured around six fundamental pillars of financial market performance: Market Depth; Access to Foreign Exchange; Market Transparency and Regulation; Pension Fund Development; Macroeconomic Opportunity; and Enforceability of International Financial Agreements.

Rwanda has moved up three places to become the highest mover in the 2024 Absa Africa Financial Markets Index.

IGIHE