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Trump’s victory has already sparked a wave of global recognition as leaders from around the world are stepping forward with congratulations and praise, lauding his resilience and the renewed diplomatic possibilities his win brings.

With excitement and anticipation, international figures have hailed Trump’s political resurgence as a pivotal moment for America and the world, their words reflecting deep respect for his persistence and a shared hope for strengthened alliances.

The first to acknowledge the Republican Party candidate’s victory was Nayib Bukele, President of El Salvador, who wasted no time in affirming his support.
In a message of confidence, Bukele tweeted, 'Congratulations, President-elect.' His prompt recognition paved the way for an array of international leaders to echo his sentiment, marking this victory as a truly global affair.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali joined in with words that resonated with optimism and partnership.
“Congratulations to President Donald Trump on your election victory and comeback. I look forward to working together to further strengthen the relationship between our two countries during your term.” Abiy said in a statement.

From Burundi, President Evariste Ndayishimiye offered his own congratulatory note: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to President-elect Donald Trump on your historic election victory and convey my wishes for success as you lead America forward with purpose and conviction. I look forward to further strengthening the Burundi-USA cooperation.”

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey responded to the news with a personal touch, referring to Trump as a friend. 'I congratulate my friend Donald Trump,' he said warmly and went on to express his hopes for a strengthened U.S.-Turkey relationship, emphasizing shared global challenges.

'I hope that relations between Turkey and the United States will be strengthened, that regional and global crises and wars, especially the Palestinian issue and the Russian-Ukrainian war, will end, and I believe that more efforts will be made for a more just world.'

Across the continent, French President Emmanuel Macron shared a note of familiarity and ambition.
'Congratulations, President Trump. Ready to work together as we did for four years. With your convictions and mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity.'

Macron’s message, nodding to their past cooperation, conveyed a desire to continue addressing global challenges in tandem.

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán also added his enthusiastic endorsement. 'The biggest comeback in U.S. political history! Congratulations to President Trump on his enormous win. A much-needed victory for the World!'

Meanwhile, from the heart of Africa, President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo extended warm congratulations on behalf of his nation. In a message shared on the Congolese presidential Twitter account, Tshisekedi expressed his intent to build upon the already positive relations between the U.S. and the DRC.

'On behalf of the Congolese people and in his own name, President Félix Tshisekedi extends his warmest congratulations to Donald Trump for his great victory in the presidential election of USA.
The Head of State said he was ready to collaborate with the newly elected American President and to deepen the strategic partnership between the RDC and the U.S., which already maintain good friendly and cooperative relations.”

From the East African region, Kenyan President William Ruto said, 'On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Kenya and on my own behalf, I convey to Your Excellency, my warmest congratulations on your election as the 47th President of the United States of America.'

South Africa’s Cyril Ramafosa said, 'Congratulations to United States President-Elect on your return to the Presidency. I look forward to continuing the close and mutually beneficial partnership between our two nations across all domains of our cooperation.'

Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister said, 'Heartiest congratulations my friend Trump on your historic election victory. As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership. Together, let’s work for the betterment of our people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity.'

In a show of solidarity and great admiration, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave the longest and most passionate message.
He said, 'Congratulations to Donald Trump on his impressive election victory! I recall our great meeting with President Trump back in September, when we discussed in detail the Ukraine-U.S. strategic partnership, the Victory Plan, and ways to put an end to Russian aggression against Ukraine.'

'I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to the 'peace through strength' approach in global affairs. This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer. I am hopeful that we will put it into action together.'

He added, 'We look forward to an era of a strong United States of America under President Trump’s decisive leadership. We rely on continued strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States. We are interested in developing mutually beneficial political and economic cooperation that will benefit both of our nations.'

Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine, as one of Europe’s strongest military powers, is committed to ensuring long-term peace and security in Europe and the Transatlantic community with the support of allies.

Trump served as the 45th President of the United States from 2016 to 2020, after which he was succeeded by Democrat Joe Biden in an election that was disputed by the Republican candidate.

While Biden had initially launched a campaign to defend his seat, he dropped out of the race in July to endorse Harris. The 81-year-old withdrew from what would have been a rematch between him and Trump, primarily due to concerns about his age.

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Amb. Nduhungirehe has told TV 10 that the Rwandan government made this decision to protect its citizens from potential violence during the protests.

The demonstrations are being led by supporters of Venancio Mandlane, leader of the Podemos party, following the Mozambican electoral commission’s announcement that Daniel Chapo of the Frelimo party won the October 9, 2024, presidential election with 70.6% of the vote.

Some opposition figures allege that Rwandan forces, usually stationed in Cabo Delgado province, have been deployed to Maputo to suppress the protests.

However, both the Rwandan government and the European Union have denied these claims.

'Messages have circulated on social media from Mozambican politicians inciting violence against Rwandans, particularly on November 6 and 7, coinciding with the protests in Maputo,' Minister Nduhungirehe stated.

He further revealed that Rwandan citizens, especially business owners, are advised to close their shops during this period.

When asked about the safety of Rwandan nationals in their residences, Minister Nduhungirehe expressed confidence in the Mozambican security forces’ efforts to maintain order and protect all residents.

Rwandan Embassy in Mozambique will remain closed on Wednesday, November 6, and Thursday, November 7, 2024, in response to anticipated large-scale protests in Maputo.

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The Republican Party candidate, who lost to President Joe Biden in the 2020 election, secured several battleground states, including Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Carolina, to surpass the 270 electoral votes needed to defeat his Democratic rival in this year’s polls.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Trump had garnered 277 electoral votes, surpassing the 270 threshold and dimming Harris’ hopes of becoming the first Black woman and first female U.S. president. Harris is trailing Trump with 224 electoral votes.

With Trump leading Harris in the popular vote by more than five million votes, the Associated Press has called the election in Trump’s favour, though the world awaits the final official results.

This historic victory makes Trump the first U.S. president to secure a non-consecutive win in over a century, a feat last achieved by Grover Cleveland 132 years ago.

Early on, Trump declared victory as it became increasingly clear that he would defeat Harris.

Addressing his supporters at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump described his ballot triumph as a “magnificent victory for the American people” that would usher in a “golden age” for the country.

“This will truly be the golden age of America. It will make America great again. There was no other path to victory,” he told his supporters.

Trump promised Americans he would make them 'very happy' and 'very proud' of their vote.

'We have a country that needs help, and it needs help very badly,' Trump said. 'We’re going to fix our borders. We’re going to fix everything about our country.'

Trump, who has promised to spur economic growth by boosting tariffs and trade and decisively deal with illegal migration, was also ecstatic that Republicans had regained control of the Senate in this year’s election.”

“The number of victories in the Senate is incredible. You’ll have great senators, and it looks like we will be keeping control of the House of Representatives too,” he added.

Meanwhile, dejected supporters of Harris, who had gathered at Howard University for an election watch party, left after Trump took an early lead in the election, which had been described as neck-and-neck.

The mood dampened further after Harris’ campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond announced that the candidate would not address them, suggesting that she would speak about the election later on Wednesday.

“We still have votes to count. We still have states that have not been called yet. We will continue overnight to fight to make sure that every vote is counted, that every voice has been heard. So you won’t hear from the Vice President tonight, but you will hear from her tomorrow,” Richmond told the supporters.

Former United States President Donald Trump will return to the White House after a sweeping, historic victory against Vice President Kamala Harris in the election held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

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This growth reflects the expansion of Rwanda’s higher education sector, which has seen about 20 new institutions gain approval to operate in the country over the past seven years.

While some of these institutions offer specialized international programs, they are not the only schools drawing foreign students.

For instance, in October 2024, more than 8,000 students graduated from the University of Rwanda, 126 of whom were international students.

HEC data shows that in the 2016/2017 academic year, there were about 1,397 international students, with numbers now ballooning to over 9,100.

Speaking before the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Technology, Culture, Sports, and Youth, HEC Director General Dr. Rose Mukankomeje highlighted both the successes and the challenges of this growth.

'The number of international students has increased, but some arrive with insufficient information about study requirements and face unexpected challenges,' she said.

To address this, HEC is working closely with immigration authorities to ensure that information on study requirements is readily accessible online and that students can secure visas upon arrival.

'No one should come as a tourist and then attempt to enroll in school,' she emphasized.

Dr. Mukankomeje also raised concerns about individuals who enter Rwanda under false pretenses, sometimes claiming to seek work but lacking proper employment documentation.

She noted cases where people with medical backgrounds enroll in unrelated courses, such as computer programming, as a strategy to obtain equivalency documents and ultimately secure employment.

In October 2024, Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente reaffirmed the commitment to enhancing the quality of education at the University of Rwanda, which continues to attract international students. He stressed that maintaining high educational standards remains a top priority.

Since 2017, the number of highly qualified faculty members with Ph.D. degrees has also seen substantial growth, increasing from 776 to 1,195 in 2024.

The Higher Education Council (HEC) in Rwanda has reported a significant rise in international student enrollment, with numbers reaching 9,109 in 2024.

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The watch party at Howard University had begun with music pumping and crowds dancing; however, the mood started to dampen as results from the Tuesday election began to trickle in, with the Republican Party surging ahead.

Supporters react to election results during an election night event for US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris at Howard University in Washington, November 5, 2024.

The heartbroken crowd, which had initially cheered as races were called in favour of Harris, was later seen booing as states were called for Trump.

Some of the disappointed Harris supporters began to leave the party after Harris Campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond announced that the candidate would not speak until later on Wednesday.

“We still have votes to count. We still have states that have not been called yet. We will continue overnight to fight to make sure that every vote is counted, that every voice has spoken.

“So you won’t hear from the Vice President tonight, but you will hear from her tomorrow,” Richmond told the supporters.

A supporter of US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris breaks down during an election night event at Howard University in Washington, November 5, 2024.

Trump is expected to reclaim the presidency after losing to Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 edition.

He has already secured three key battleground states, putting him ahead with 267 electoral college votes against Harris’s 214. He now only needs three more electoral votes to reach the 270 threshold to win the presidency.

The 78-year-old candidate is projected to win Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia—the first three battleground states to be called in the U.S. presidential election—leaving Kamala Harris with only a slim chance to make history as the first Black woman and female U.S. President.

The 2024 presidential election was initially expected to be a rematch between Trump and Biden, but Biden dropped out of the race in July and endorsed Harris after a disastrous debate that heightened concerns about his age.

Supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris left what was meant to be an election night watch party for the Democratic presidential candidate as Donald Trump inched closer to victory on Wednesday.

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The legislative groundwork for surrogacy was laid in July 2024 with the publication of the revised Law on Persons and Family, which formally acknowledges surrogacy and establishes guidelines for its practice in Rwanda.

This law specifies that reproduction between spouses may occur naturally or with the help of reproductive technologies, including surrogacy. Article 279 of the law clarifies that assisted reproduction between a married man and woman may include a third party through a legally binding contract.

Minister Nsanzimana explained that there is demand for surrogacy services in Rwanda among couples facing infertility issues. The proposed regulations specify that surrogates should be between 21 and 40 years old.

According to statistics from Kanombe Military Hospital, 15% of women seeking gynecological care experience infertility. In East Africa, infertility affects 30% of couples, many of whom struggle to access necessary treatments.

However, Deputy Beth Murora expressed concern that surrogacy could be exploited as a commercial enterprise.

“While semen donations and surrogacy services aim to support those unable to conceive naturally, there is a risk of commercialization. I am aware of cases where young adults may be pressured into donating under ethically questionable circumstances.”

Dr. Nsanzimana addressed these concerns, emphasizing the need to prevent the commercial exploitation of surrogacy.

“Our objective is to prevent this law from becoming a gateway for profit-driven practices. We’ve observed cases in other countries where surrogacy became a business, often leading to exploitation of young women. We want to ensure that such loopholes do not emerge here.”

Deputy Valens Muhakwa proposed setting limits on the number of times a person could act as a surrogate, citing health and ethical concerns.

'Similar to family planning guidelines, limits could help prevent individuals from participating in multiple surrogacies within a short period,' he suggested.

Additionally, MP Anasthase Nabahire raised concerns about the law’s restrictions, which limit surrogacy to married couples, excluding single individuals who may wish to have children.

“This law is designed to assist married couples facing infertility, but what about single individuals who want children? Couldn’t the law be amended to include provisions for them?'

Minister Nsanzimana responded that while the current legislation focuses on married couples, it could be expanded in the future to be more inclusive.

The cost of surrogacy in Rwanda initially stood at around 3.5 million Rwandan Francs but is expected to decline as insurance providers integrate surrogacy coverage.

According to the law, the mother of a child born through assisted reproductive technology is the one named in the surrogacy contract.

Surrogacy, introduced globally in 1986, has grown popular in many developed countries, where, for instance, approximately 750 children are born through surrogacy each year in the United States.

Rwanda’s move to regulate surrogacy brings it into line with an increasing global trend, yet lawmakers remain cautious about its implementation.

Rwandan parliamentarians, on November 5, 2024, voiced concerns over the country’s recent approval of surrogacy. The latter is a process in which a woman carries and delivers a child for a couple or individual.

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The 78-year-old is inching closer to victory after winning Pennsylvania, a key battleground state, putting him just three electoral votes shy of the 270 threshold needed to defeat his rival, Democratic Party candidate Kamala Harris, who is trailing with 224 electoral votes.

Addressing his supporters at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump described his ballot triumph as a “magnificent victory for the American people” that would usher in a “golden age” for the country.

“This will truly be the golden age of America. It will make America great again. There was no other path to victory,” he told his supporters.

Trump promised Americans he would make them 'very happy' and 'very proud' of their vote.

'We have a country that needs help, and it needs help very badly,' Trump said. 'We’re going to fix our borders. We’re going to fix everything about our country.'

In his speech, Trump praised tech billionaire Elon Musk as a “super genius” while thanking those who contributed to his campaign on Election Night.

'A star is born: Elon,' Trump said, directing his message to the SpaceX and X owner.

'Only Elon can do this,' he said about a recent SpaceX launch. 'That’s why I love you, Elon,' he added.

Trump was also ecstatic that Republicans had regained control of the Senate in this year’s election.

“The number of victories in the Senate is incredible. You’ll have great senators, and it looks like we will be keeping control of the House of Representatives too,” he added.

The 2024 presidential election was initially expected to be a rematch between Trump and Biden, but Biden dropped out of the race in July and endorsed Harris after a disastrous debate that heightened concerns about his age.

Trump’s victory is significant, as it would make him only the second president to serve non-consecutive terms after Grover Cleveland—a feat last achieved 132 years ago.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump claimed an early victory on Wednesday morning as projections indicated he was on track to win the United States election held on Tuesday.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

One of the standout attractions in the Northern Province, Musanze District, is the Musanze Caves, an awe-inspiring site that promises an unforgettable journey back in time.

Beyond gorilla trekking, Musanze offers a chance to delve into an underground world of mystery and beauty.

These caves are among Rwanda’s most iconic natural landmarks, dating back approximately 65 million years.

Their formation, believed to have resulted from volcanic lava flows, contributed to the creation of the Albertine Rift Valley, a stunning geological feature shared by several East African countries.

The Musanze Caves lie amid the basaltic lava layers originating from Mount Bisoke and Mount Sabyinyo, adding a volcanic charm to the region.

The Musanze Caves span approximately 2 kilometers and are a highlight among the 52 unique caves that Northern Rwanda boasts.

While there are other caves, such as the Ubuvumo Bwibihonga, the Musanze Caves remain the most frequently explored due to their accessible location and captivating structure.

The caves lie within the grounds of INES University, making them a convenient stop for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in the volcanic history of the region.

Upon entering the caves, travelers are greeted by an entrance that towers cathedral-like, leading to an expansive underground chamber that is home to a thriving bat colony.

As light seeps through the 31 entrances created by roof collapses, visitors witness breathtaking shafts of color illuminating the cave walls. The guided tours through Musanze Caves, which last about two and a half hours, provide an in-depth look at this unique attraction.

Musanze Caves officially opened to the public in 2013 and have since become a popular addition to Rwanda’s tourism landscape. The site attracts visitors eager to explore the underground marvels and gain insight into the local culture.

During the tour, visitors can admire unique art pieces crafted by local artisans and learn about traditional Rwandan life, including age-old customs and vibrant cultural practices.

The journey through the caves offers much more than geological intrigue.

Surrounding the cave entrances, travelers can appreciate the striking beauty of lush vegetation and panoramic views of Rwanda’s iconic volcanoes, including Mount Gahinga, Karisimbi, and Muhabura.

Inside, the air is cool and calm, with gentle streams flowing from the rocky ceiling, adding a peaceful ambiance to the exploration. Visitors navigate through the darkened tunnels, surrounded by ancient rock formations that have endured for millions of years.

For those looking to extend their adventure, Musanze District offers a range of nearby attractions.

The Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera, the volcanic peaks of Bisoke and Karisimbi, and the historic Buhanga Eco-Park—a former coronation site for Rwandan kings—provide further glimpses into Rwanda’s diverse landscape and rich history.

Additionally, the local experience is enhanced by engaging in traditional Rwandan activities, such as basket weaving or making 'Ugwagwa,' a local beer made from a special type of banana.

For visitors seeking to uncover the hidden gems of Rwanda, Musanze Caves are a remarkable destination, promising unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for this extraordinary region.

Musanze caves have become a popular addition to Rwanda’s tourism landscape.

Musanze Caves officially opened to the public in 2013.

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Police and local leaders also seized about 700kgs of minerals from the suspects.

These continuous operations target illegal miners and illegal mineral traders, who are among those arrested.

“Due to increasing illegal mining activities and related trade in the Southern Province, Police and local leaders have started operations targeting all people involved. As such, 51 people were arrested on Tuesday.

They include 25 arrested in Muhanga district, 17 in Kamonyi district and 9 others in Ruhango district. They were found in possession of a combined 700kgs of cassiterite, lithium and coltan,” the RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, said.

Also seized include a generator, weighing scales and traditional tools, which they were using in illegal mining.

“These illegal mining activities have in some cases resulted in loss of lives, destruction of gardens and the environment.

'Rwanda National Police commends members of the public, who facilitated these successful operations and calls for continued swift information sharing,” RNP spokesperson added.

Article 63 of Law n° 072/2024 of 26/06/2024 on mining and quarry operations, stipulates that “a person, who undertakes mineral operations without a licence, commits an offence.”

Upon conviction, he or she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than two years but not more than five years and a fine of not less than Frw25 million but not more than Frw50 million or one of these penalties.

If the court convicts a suspect of an offense under this Article, it will also issue additional orders. These include the confiscation of any seized minerals, which are to be handed over to the competent authority for sale through auction.

Furthermore, the court may mandate the reinstatement of sites impacted by mining activities, as well as the rehabilitation or compensation for any damaged infrastructure. Additionally, the court may require rehabilitation or compensation for any harm done to community property.

Some of arrested suspects in Southern Province as Police intensified operations against illegal mining.

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The project was formally launched on November 1, 2024, at Mukono Health Center in Gicumbi District, which serves residents from four villages in three nearby sectors.

During the week between October 28 and November 1, 2024, over 3,000 trees were planted across 24 health centers and at Byumba Hospital. At Mukono Health Center alone, where the official launch was held, more than 200 fruit trees were planted.

RNMU leadership stated that this tree-planting effort is the first phase of a larger initiative that will eventually extend to all districts, aiming to plant nearly a million trees over the next five years.

RNMU President, André Gitembagara, highlighted that the tree-planting exercise aligns with a mission to enhance quality healthcare based on environmental sustainability.

'The health we help people maintain wouldn’t be possible without a protected environment. We first educated nurses and midwives, both students and professionals, on the importance of environmental care so they could actively participate in planting these trees,' he explained.

The Rwanda Nurses and Midwives Union (RNMU) has officially launched a tree-planting initiative.

He further highlighted the choice to prioritize fruit-bearing trees: 'We focus on fruit-bearing trees because we believe that patients and visitors at health centers benefit from these trees. When they see well-kept trees bearing fruit, they have access to fresh produce and even shaded areas, which adds value to their experience.”

Mukono Health Center’s Director, Ennock Gatwaza, noted that the center had a large open area with limited tree cover. He expressed optimism that the newly planted trees would benefit visitors, especially those with poor nutrition.

'Patients visiting here can pick fruit from these trees. For example, children suffering from malnutrition can enjoy avocados, which provide essential nutrients like natural sugars needed for children under five,' he said.

Jean Marie Vianney Mbonyintwari, Gicumbi’s Deputy Mayor in charge of Social Welfare, said that planting fruit trees in the district is expected to yield substantial benefits in fighting malnutrition and stunting in children.

'Planting fruit trees is a significant step in combating child stunting, which currently affects 19.2% of children here. We aim to plant at least three trees per household and educate residents on caring for them, as this will benefit them directly,' he explained.

'We greatly appreciate the contribution of partners like RNMU, who provided 3,000 trees and fertilizer, while we continue to play our part,' Mbonyintwari added.

He reiterated that Gicumbi District aims to eradicate child stunting entirely, and he believes that fruit trees will play a crucial role in this endeavor.

Some students have also joined the tree planting campaign.

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