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The Rwandan Head of State made these remarks during a joint press conference with Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs. Kagame is on a three-day official visit to Latvia, which commenced on October 1, 2024.

During his visit, President Kagame toured the Latvian Occupation Museum, which showcases the country’s history and struggle for independence. Kagame and his counterpart, Rinkēvičs also held a private meeting, followed by broader bilateral discussions with their respective delegations.

Speaking to the press after these engagements, Kagame expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to his delegation and reflected on the strong bilateral ties and mutual interests between Rwanda and Latvia.

'Following my discussion with the President and between our delegations, it is evident that Rwanda and Latvia share strong bonds of friendship. […] The purpose of this visit is to explore new opportunities for the mutual benefit of our people,' Kagame remarked.

Among the key areas of cooperation, Kagame highlighted a growing interest in sustainable agriculture and expressed his appreciation for the visit to the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, noting that it holds a universal message about the protection of rights and freedoms.

The President went on to share more values shared between both countries and areas of priority.

'What also unites Rwanda and Latvia is a common understanding that we can no longer do business as usual. We need a multilateral system that is more fit for purpose and which treats everyone equally,' he stated.

'We also need to prioritize growth areas such as information technology. […] Ultimately, the mindset we have is to work together to find solutions to our unique set of challenges,' Kagame added.

Kagame also described Latvia’s efforts to build a strong innovation ecosystem in Latvia as an example to be emulated.

He explained that Rwanda has also been doing its part, beginning with digitizing almost all public services.

The President further emphasized that Rwanda and Latvia are willing to support each other on a range of issues, notably peace and security and global development.

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, in a message shared on his X account, expressed his zeal for deepening cooperation with Rwanda.

'Welcome, Your Excellency President Kagame, to Riga. Very much looking forward to developing strong political and trade cooperation between Latvia and Rwanda. It is also important to work together to uphold principles of international law both globally and regionally,' he wrote.

Latvia has fostered diplomatic relations with Rwanda since 2007, further strengthened by Rwanda’s appointment of an ambassador in January 2022.

Kagame’s visit marks the first official visit by a Rwandan president to the Baltic States, which comprise Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. It is also the first official visit by an African president to Latvia.

Located in northeastern Europe, Latvia is one of the smaller countries on the European continent, covering an area of 64,589 square kilometers. It shares borders with Lithuania to the south and Estonia to the north and has a population of approximately 1.88 million people.

The country gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 after decades of occupation. Latvia’s landscape features rolling hills, dense forests, and sandy beaches along the Baltic Sea coast.

Riga, the capital and largest city of Latvia, is renowned for its stunning architecture, which includes Art Nouveau buildings and medieval churches. The official language, Latvian, is a Baltic language with ancient roots.

President Paul Kagame has reaffirmed the strong relationship between Rwanda and Latvia.

The press conference as held in Riga, the capital of Latvia.

Théophile Niyitegeka

The forum gathered key government representatives and business leaders, including Hazza AlQahtani, UAE Ambassador to Rwanda, and John Mirenge, Rwanda’s Ambassador to the UAE. The event was also attended by several Rwandan business owners operating in the UAE, and UAE investors with interests in Rwanda.

In his keynote address, Amb. AlQahtani emphasized the robust and developing relationship between the UAE and Rwanda.

“It is my privilege to welcome you to this important platform for the business communities of the UAE and Rwanda. This forum reflects our shared ambition to strengthen commercial ties, foster innovation, and create sustainable economic growth for both nations'.

Amb. AlQahtani outlined the strategic opportunities available for Rwandan businesses across various sectors, including real estate, renewable energy, technology and logistics.

“The UAE offers a dynamic and globally recognized business environment. With a strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and a government committed to economic diversification, we present an attractive destination for international investments,” he said.

Amb. AlQahtani highlighted the UAE’s ongoing efforts to solidify its position as a global economic hub, noting that the country’s non-oil foreign trade reached AED 1.4 trillion in the first half of 2024; a 25% increase in exports.

He also stressed the UAE’s ambitious goal of achieving AED 3 trillion in non-oil trade by the end of 2024.

“This demonstrates our commitment to fostering long-term economic prosperity, and Rwanda can play a significant role by capitalizing on opportunities across sectors such as AI, agri-tech, and renewable energy,” Amb. AlQahtani added. “By identifying synergies between our economies and addressing any challenges that may impact the growth of bilateral trade, we can pave the way for more robust collaboration.'

He encouraged Rwandan entrepreneurs to explore emerging industries, particularly in the fields of green technology, advanced manufacturing, and smart agriculture.

On behalf of Rwanda, Amb. John Mirenge reiterated the country’s enthusiasm for welcoming UAE investments.

“Rwanda is committed to supporting UAE businesses that are looking to establish or expand their presence in our country. While we have seen positive developments, there is room for much more, and I strongly encourage more UAE businesses to consider Rwanda as a prime destination for growth,” Mirenge said, calling for a concerted effort to elevate bilateral trade to new heights. He encouraged Rwandan entrepreneurs to explore emerging industries, particularly in green technology, advanced manufacturing, and smart agriculture.

Leading the physical delegation in Kigali was Juliana Muganza, Deputy CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), alongside representatives from the Private Sector Federation (PSF), the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), and the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

In her remarks, Muganza emphasized the growing importance of UAE-Rwanda partnerships and the critical role these partnerships play in driving Rwanda’s Vision 2050 agenda.

“We have laid a solid foundation for foreign investment, and we are confident that collaborations like these will continue to unlock new opportunities for growth and development in both nations,” she said.

The forum also featured participation from key UAE institutions including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Economy, the Fujairah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, with officials sharing insights into the UAE’s strategic sectors, including AI, food security, and logistics.

Both Rwandan and UAE officials expressed optimism for the future of trade and investment between the two nations. This platform has once again demonstrated that the partnership between Rwanda and the UAE is not only resilient but has considerable also filled with boundless potential to develop further.

'We look forward to seeing more initiatives that will strengthen our economic ties and contribute to the prosperity of our people,” Muganza concluded.

With both countries already seeing tangible benefits from their cooperation, the meeting solidified the foundation for deeper collaboration, offering Rwandan businesses a gateway to one of the world’s most vibrant economies while presenting UAE investors with new opportunities in Rwanda’s rapidly expanding market.

Amb. AlQahtani (in the middle) also outlined the strategic opportunities available for Rwandan businesses across various sectors, including real estate, renewable energy, technology and logistics.

Amb. AlQahtani emphasized the robust and developing relationship between the UAE and Rwanda.

Representatives from UAE and Rwanda at the high-level business meeting.

Juliana Muganza, Deputy CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) emphasized the growing importance of UAE-Rwanda partnerships and the critical role they play in driving Rwanda’s Vision 2050 agenda.

The high-level business meeting brought together influential stakeholders from both nations.

Participants convened in Kigali, with more joining virtually from the UAE.

This meeting underscored a shared commitment to strengthening business ties and exploring new collaborative opportunities.

Participants following presentations at the meeting.

The meeting was a good opportunity for participants to exchange ideas.

Participants of the high-level business meeting in a group photo.

Sam K Nkurunziza

According to the study, 53.7% of first-year students and 46.7% of continuing students at Makerere University have remained committed to positive values, including abstinence or faithfulness to their marital partners.

The survey also found that 37.8% of the first-year students who participated in the survey identified as virgins, slightly higher than their continuing counterparts.

“Among the interviewed first-year students, 37.8% were virgins, while 36.6% of continuing students were virgins. An equally good number of students were secondary virgins,' said Barbara Kaija, Co-Chair of the Emerging Leaders Programme, when presenting the findings on Friday, September 27, 2024, at Makerere University during the launch of the ELP initiative.

On the other hand, the study revealed that 46.3% of first-year students and 53.3% of continuing students have been making negative sexual choices, driven by peer and financial pressure.

The survey included a sample of 473 first-year students and 1,041 continuing students from various key colleges and faculties at Makerere University.

The study also revealed that at least 101 students (13.5%) believed they might have been exposed to HIV at Makerere by having sex with a student who was HIV positive.

“Twenty-seven percent of first-year students had more than five sexual partners in one year, with 11% having ten or more partners in the same period,” the report reads.

Among continuing students, 32% had more than five sexual partners in one year, and 12% had ten or more in that timeframe.

Additionally, the survey showed that 57 first-year students, representing 6.8%, are currently using drugs, while another 17 (3.6%) had used drugs in the past but reported having quit. Among continuing students, 80 (7.7%) are using drugs, and 69 (6.6%) said they had used drugs in the past but had since stopped.

The ELP programme was launched to instil character development and leadership skills in university students. The launch was attended by Uganda’s First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni.

The survey included a sample of 473 first-year students and 1,041 continuing students from various key colleges and faculties at Makerere University.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

This clarification comes after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, elected in July 2024, canceled the agreement initially signed in April 2022.

The decision was made on the grounds that the deal would not effectively prevent illegal migrants from entering the UK.

In response, the Rwandan government expressed its continued willingness to contribute to addressing the migrant crisis and emphasized that it had no involvement in the termination of the deal.

The agreement’s cancellation sparked speculation over whether Rwanda would need to return the £270 million provided by the UK for the implementation of the asylum scheme.

However, Rwanda’s Deputy Government Spokesperson, Alain Mukuralinda, said that a refund was not stipulated in the agreement.

Former Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta exchanging documents with former UK Home Secretary, James Cleverly after signing the revised migration treaty in Kigali last year.

During a press briefing on October 2, 2024, High Commissioner Thorpe addressed these concerns directly, stating, “As far as I’m aware, there is no intention to ask Rwanda for any of the money back.”

When asked whether the UK might reconsider and reinstate the partnership, she indicated that this was unlikely in the near future, as the UK has introduced new strategies to tackle illegal migration.

These include enhanced border security measures aimed at preventing small boat crossings.

The diplomat also explained that, following Prime Minister Starmer’s decision to cancel the deal, the UK Parliament is expected to approve the formal termination.

Once approved, the UK government will notify Rwanda of its decision to officially withdraw from the agreement.

Despite the migration deal’s cancellation, High Commissioner Thorpe emphasized that the broader UK-Rwanda relationship remains strong.

“The new government in the UK has ended the migration partnership with Rwanda, but that absolutely doesn’t mean they’ve ended the relationship with Rwanda,” she assured.

High Commissioner Thorpe added, “In fact, the relationship has always been far broader than just migration. The new government is very keen to continue a strong relationship with Rwanda.”

The diplomat further pointed to the visit of the UK’s new Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, to Rwanda in early September 2024 as a testament to the enduring ties between the two nations.

She explained that it was intended to underscore the UK government’s commitment to strengthening ties with Rwanda in the coming years.

Thorpe also highlighted the UK’s desire to continue collaborating with Rwanda on key issues such as promoting trade, economic growth, and tackling climate change.

Théophile Niyitegeka

In a set of guidelines issued on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, the ministry said the decision is aimed at minimizing close contact and curbing the spread of the disease. Visits will resume after an assessment by MINEDUC and health authorities.

Parents have been asked to use alternative means to provide their children with supplies, where necessary.

“In case a student urgently needs supplies, the parent will work with the school administration to send them through other means, including digitally where possible,” the ministry announced.

Parents have also been urged to keep a student displaying any symptoms of Marburg virus at home.

“Take the student with symptoms to a health center immediately, and do not return them to school until cleared by a medical professional,” the ministry advised.

Additionally, MINEDUC directed school administrators and teachers to monitor students and help them access medical facilities if they report symptoms such as high fever, fatigue, severe headaches, nausea, muscle aches, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Other measures include encouraging students to practice good personal hygiene, such as frequent handwashing; preventing students from sharing clothes and personal items; and communicating to students not to panic but to follow all the preventive measures.

Students are required to comply with all preventive measures to help stop the spread of Marburg virus disease.

Rwanda confirmed its first-ever Marburg outbreak six days ago, with 29 cases and 10 deaths reported as of Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

To control the spread of the virus, the government has introduced several general measures, including the suspension of hospital visits, the banning of wakes and home vigils (locally known as Ikiriyo) in cases of Marburg-related deaths, and limiting burials related to Marburg deaths to a maximum of 50 people.

Additionally, all healthcare facilities have been directed to implement a protocol for receiving and providing services to clients exhibiting symptoms of Marburg virus disease, with strict adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures.

Students are required to comply with all preventive measures to help stop the spread of Marburg virus disease.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Salvos of missiles rained down on Israel at around 19:30 local time (1630 GMT), triggering sirens and sending residents running for shelter. Loud explosions were heard in Jerusalem as Israeli air defense systems successfully intercepted some Iranian missiles, as witnessed by Xinhua correspondents.

A Palestinian man was killed by shrapnel in the occupied West Bank, Israel’s state-owned Kan TV news reported. Israeli rescue service Magen David Adom said two people in Tel Aviv sustained minor injuries. There have been no immediate reports of fatalities within Israel.

Traffic on Jaffa Road, a major street in Jerusalem, returned to normal shortly after the attacks, though a heavier-than-usual police presence remained, according to Xinhua correspondents.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Israel would retaliate against Iran’s missile attack. “Whoever attacks us — we will attack him,” Netanyahu told a Security Cabinet meeting focused on potential counter-attacks and the ground military campaign in Lebanon.

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said that if Israel retaliates by attacking Iran, it will face “crushing and destructive” attacks.

In a statement posted on social media platform X after the attack, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the “broadening of the Middle East conflict, with escalation after escalation.”

“This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire,” he wrote.

LONG-ANTICIPATED ATTACKS

This marks the second round of Iranian missiles fired at Israel. The first round in April was the first-ever direct Iranian strike on Israel, launched in retaliation for an Israeli attack on Iran’s consulate in Damascus that killed seven IRGC officers.

The previous round of Iranian missiles was intercepted with assistance from the U.S. military and other regional countries. Israel responded with airstrikes in Iran, but a broader escalation was avoided.

The latest Iranian attacks followed high-profile assassinations of anti-Israel figures who have close ties to Iran.

Iran vowed to retaliate after Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran in late July while attending the swearing-in ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

On September 27, Iranian-backed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in Israeli airstrikes. In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei vowed to avenge Nasrallah’s death.

The two rounds of attacks have resulted in no heavy damage within Israeli territory, though both sides assess their impact differently.

In a statement published on its official news outlet Sepah News, the IRGC claimed that 90 percent of the missiles fired on Tuesday successfully hit their targets, including several air and radar bases and the “conspiracy centers” involved in planning the assassinations of leaders like Haniyeh and Nasrallah.

Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said several missiles hit central and southern Israel, and “quite a few” were intercepted by air defense systems.

ISRAEL’S EXPANDED WARFRONT

After the missile attacks on Tuesday, Israel’s military vowed to “carry out attacks throughout the Middle East tonight” in retaliation.

Israel has been engaged in a yearlong war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. In the waters off Yemen’s coast, the Houthi group is attacking ships that have links with Israel.

Following frequent exchange of fire with Hezbollah on the Lebanese border since the outbreak of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in October last year, Israel has escalated its intensive airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds and other targets since September 23.

In addition to the explosions of communication devices that have injured many Hezbollah members — an act Israel has not openly claimed responsibility for — the country is considering a ground offensive following weeks of heavy bombardments in Lebanon.

The latest confrontation between Israel and Iran has raised fears of another expansion of Israel’s warfront and a broader regional war, while the United Nations and many world leaders are pushing for a ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon, as well as de-escalation in the Middle East.

However, both Israel and Iran have shown little willingness to back down.

“Iran made a big mistake tonight, and it will pay for it,” said Netanyahu during Tuesday’s Security Cabinet meeting.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said after the attacks that his country is not a warmonger but “will stand decisively against any threat.”

Xinhua