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Speaking at a church service on Sunday, November 24, 2024, Gachagua claimed he had warned President Ruto against engaging with the Adani Group over its controversial reputation.

The former deputy president’s remarks came in response to the president’s recent decision to cancel deals proposed by the Adani Group to manage the country’s energy and aviation infrastructure. The cancellations followed the indictment of Adani Group’s chair in the United States on bribery charges.

“The matter with Adani is what led to my fallout with the president,” Gachagua said.

“In the Cabinet, I was the only person who could tell him the truth. All the others were cowards. I told him the issue with Adani is shady, and the people don’t want it. He hated me for it and accused me of opposing government projects.”

Gachagua further alleged that President Ruto’s decision to cancel the Adani deals was not motivated by genuine concern but rather by the indictment of the Indian firm’s founder.

“Even after the president cancelled the deals, there was no need to clap for him because it did not come from his heart. He only acted after that suspect was indicted in the United States,” he added.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced last Wednesday that Gautam Adani and seven associates, including his nephew Sagar Adani, were accused of offering over $250 million in bribes to Indian officials to secure lucrative energy contracts. The contracts were partly funded by international investors, including some from the U.S.

The following day, during his State of the Nation Address in Parliament, President Ruto defended his decision, citing credible evidence provided by relevant agencies. He announced the cancellation of deals worth $2.6 billion, which included leasing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for 30 years and upgrading electricity transmission infrastructure for a similar period.

“In the face of credible evidence of corruption, I will not hesitate to act,” Ruto stated.

The proposal to lease Kenya’s airports had faced significant resistance from activists and airport workers, who accused the government of “auctioning” national assets.

While the aviation deal was under review, the government had already signed a $736 million agreement with the Adani Group to operate electricity transmission lines and substations.

President Ruto and his cabinet had previously defended the deals, arguing that public-private partnerships would help modernize state facilities.

Gachagua was hounded out of office in October over allegations of gross misconduct and undermining both the President and the government.

Impeached Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has revealed that disputes over controversial government deals involving Indian billionaire Gautam Adani played a central role in his fallout with President William Ruto.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Among these experts is Prof. Agatha Rockson, a legal scholar and professor from Ghana who also works in the United Kingdom.

Speaking to IGIHE, Prof. Rockson shared that she first visited ILPD in February 2024 while accompanying her law students from Ghana, who were studying Rwanda’s justice system. This visit introduced her to ILPD’s operations, which she greatly admired.

Prof. Rockson, who teaches law to undergraduate and postgraduate students in universities in both the UK and Ghana, stated that she came to ILPD to teach Common Law.

She remarked, 'ILPD feels like an African institution. It hosts students from many countries, and teaching here is a blessing. The students themselves share diverse knowledge and experiences from their home countries, enriching the learning process.'

She added that teaching students with backgrounds in Civil Law enhances her own knowledge through discussions comparing the two legal systems, which she finds enriching. She also noted that ILPD leaves a positive and unforgettable impression, one she is eager to share with other legal scholars across Africa.

Prof. Agatha Rockson is a legal expert and professor from Ghana who also works in the United Kingdom.

A major benefit of ILPD is the opportunity it provides students to network with peers from other countries, fostering confidence and creating lasting connections.

This teaching approach, which involves bringing in international experts, is widely appreciated by ILPD students. They see it as an honor and a chance to broaden their horizons.

Dorothy Batamuliza, one of ILPD’s students, told IGIHE that learning from experienced international professors in Common Law gives them confidence to compete on a global stage.

'These opportunities allow us to study law in a comprehensive manner, interacting with top legal professionals, and essentially pave the way for us to work abroad confidently,' she said.

Her sentiments were echoed by Ange Umutoniwase, who noted that beyond teaching, these professors help students establish connections with legal practitioners from distant countries, acting as excellent ambassadors who can provide assistance abroad.

ILPD is an Institution attended by students from various countries around the world.

'These professors teaching Common Law often come from the U.S. or Europe. When we meet someone teaching in London, for instance, they guide us on how to navigate such environments if we ever work there, ensuring we can operate without major challenges,' Umutoniwase explained.

Dr. Yves Sezirahiga, Deputy Director in charge of Academics and Research at ILPD, emphasized the institution’s commitment to continuing the recruitment of expert law professors.

'This is part of ILPD’s mission to build a robust and high-quality legal education system, ultimately contributing to a resilient justice system in Rwanda and Africa as a whole,' he said.

The Deputy Director in charge of Academics and Research at ILPD, Dr. Yves Sezirahiga, stated that the institution will continue to bring in expert law professors.

ILPD aims to build a resilient justice system in Rwanda and Africa.

IGIHE

His remarks come amid reports of judges facing undue pressure from individuals dissatisfied with legal outcomes who bypass the proper appeals process and instead petition the President.

“If you lose a case, for God’s sake, appeal. Don’t write to the President accusing the judge of all sorts of things,' Mao stated. These comments were made during the release of the annual Justice Law and Order Sector report in Kampala, where Mao emphasized the importance of upholding judicial independence.

Mao criticized the growing trend of people threatening judges with petitions to the President. He cited the case of a judge currently under suspension due to claims of bias.

The situation arose after a Cabinet minister bypassed the legal system and lodged a complaint with the President over a case involving the Muslim Supreme Council.

Mao argued that such actions undermine the integrity of the judiciary and the legal framework, urging the President to redirect these complaints to the courts, where proper channels like the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court exist to address grievances.

The Minister also encouraged judges to stand firm against intimidation, acknowledging that errors are an inherent part of judicial work, as judgments are formed from interpretations of facts and law.

Uganda’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Norbert Mao has warned President Yoweri Museveni to against interfering with the independence of the Judiciary.

He further urged judges to make decisions promptly, as delays could erode public trust and lead to accusations of bias. “Make a quick decision,” he advised, underscoring the importance of timely justice,' he advised.

The issue has been further complicated by recent controversies involving Justice Faridah Bukirwa. Appointed in an acting capacity by President Museveni, Justice Bukirwa faced backlash after her decision to allow three Muslims to convene a General Assembly for the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC).

UMSC leaders alleged her orders contravened their constitution, sparking high-profile petitions against her, including one from First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga.

However, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) dismissed Kadaga’s petition, stating it lacked merit. After thorough investigations, the JSC concluded the complaint against Justice Bukirwa, which accused her of bias and abuse of authority, was unfounded.

Mao’s remarks underscore the pressing need for judicial independence in Uganda. By addressing these issues head-on, he aims to reinforce public trust in the legal system and ensure that judges can carry out their duties free from external interference.

Uganda’s President Yoweri K Museveni

Sam K Nkurunziza

The agreement, reached under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, unlocked international carbon markets, a milestone that had eluded previous COPs for over a decade.

“We have ended a decade-long wait and unlocked a critical tool for keeping 1.5 degrees in reach,” said COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev. “Climate change is a transnational challenge, and Article 6 will enable transnational solutions.”

With the agreement, carbon markets are poised to drive substantial investment in developing countries, ensuring transparency and environmental integrity. The newly adopted rules will facilitate real, additional, and measurable emission reductions while respecting human rights and promoting sustainable development.

COP29 also achieved a breakthrough agreement to triple public climate finance for developing countries, raising the annual target from USD 100 billion to USD 300 billion by 2035.

Additionally, resolutions were adopted to ensure collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to scale up climate finance for developing nations from public and private sources, targeting USD 1.3 trillion annually by 2035.

Known formally as the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG), it was agreed after two weeks of intensive negotiations and several years of preparatory work, in a process that requires all nations to unanimously agree on every word of the agreement.

“This new finance goal is an insurance policy for humanity, amid worsening climate impacts hitting every country,” said Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change. “But like any insurance policy — it only works if premiums are paid in full, and on time. Promises must be kept, to protect billions of lives.”

“It will keep the clean energy boom growing, helping all countries to share in its huge benefits: more jobs, stronger growth, cheaper and cleaner energy for all.”

The International Energy Agency expects global clean energy investment to exceed USD 2 trillion for the first time in 2024.

UN said the new finance goal at COP29 builds on significant strides forward in global climate action at COP27, which established a historic Loss and Damage Fund, and COP28, which delivered a global agreement to transition away from all fossil fuels in energy systems swiftly and fairly, triple renewable energy, and boost climate resilience.

Stiell also acknowledged that the agreement reached in Baku did not meet all Parties’ expectations, and substantially more work is still needed next year on several crucial issues.

'No country got everything they wanted, and we leave Baku with a mountain of work to do,' said Stiell. 'The many other issues we need to progress may not be headlines, but they are lifelines for billions of people. So, this is no time for victory laps; we need to set our sights and redouble our efforts on the road to Belem.'

The COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev bangs a gavel to signify the adoption of a rule during the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, November 23, 2024.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The center is designed to provide young people with access to training sessions, spaces to showcase their projects, technology services, reproductive health education, and recreational facilities.

Its sports courts also offer opportunities for leisure and physical activity, which were previously less accessible in the area.

Local youths have welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism about the benefits it will bring to their community. Grace Uwimana pointed out that the center’s computers will help them work on projects more efficiently.

'This center will help us develop our projects because it has many computers. Anyone in need of technology or sports can now come here,' she proudly said.

Thomas Nshimiyimana shared that the sports facilities will save them from traveling long distances to Rwamagana town, where they previously had to go to engage in sports activities.

The Governor also called on parents to encourage their children to actively participate in the programs available at the center.

Wilson Karasira, President of the Rwanda Red Cross, explained that the center was built to tackle challenges facing the youth, such as drug abuse and teenage pregnancies, by offering them productive activities and a safe space to gather.

He noted that the center will provide young people with opportunities to engage in meaningful activities rather than staying idle at home.

Eastern Province Governor, Pudence Rubingisa, commended the project and emphasized the importance of making such facilities accessible within communities. 'We wanted this center to be close to where people live, especially the youth, to address issues before they escalate,' he said.

The Governor also called on parents to encourage their children to actively participate in the programs available at the center.

The new facility is expected to bring lasting benefits to the youth by improving their access to essential services and creating a platform for personal and community growth.

The center is designed to provide young people with access to training sessions and spaces to showcase their projects

According to Rwanda Red Cross, the center was built to tackle challenges facing the youth.

Eastern Province Governor, Pudence Rubingisa officially inaugurated the Youth Centre.

IGIHE

“Humanitarian workers are being killed at an unprecedented rate, their courage and humanity being met with bullets and bombs,” said Tom Fletcher, under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator. “This violence is unconscionable and devastating to aid operations. States and parties to conflict must protect humanitarians, uphold international law, prosecute those responsible, and call time on this era of impunity.”

OCHA said record fatalities also were recorded in 2023, with 280 aid workers killed across 33 countries.

Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, lamented last year’s record was topped, “and it isn’t even December.”

The humanitarian office said that the more than 320 humanitarian personnel killed since Oct. 7, 2023, in Gaza, is driving up the number of global fatalities. Many were killed in the line of duty while providing humanitarian assistance, and most were staff members of the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA.

OCHA said that most of the humanitarians killed around the world this year were local staff members working with non-governmental organizations, UN agencies and the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement.

High levels of violence, kidnappings, injuries, harassment, and arbitrary detention of aid workers have been reported in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Sudan, Ukraine and Yemen, among other countries.

The office said that violence against aid workers is part of a broader trend of increasing civilian casualties in conflict zones. Last year, more than 33,000 civilian deaths were recorded in 14 armed conflicts, a staggering 72 percent increase from 2022.

Despite the dangers, OCHA said relief organizations continue to deliver vital assistance, reaching nearly 144 million people in need last year. The organizations supported more than 116 million people worldwide.

The office reminded that the UN Security Council adopted in May Resolution 2730 in response to the growing violence and threats against humanitarian workers. The resolution mandates the UN secretary-general to recommend measures to prevent and respond to such incidents, enhance accountability, and improve protection for humanitarian personnel and assets.

People wait to buy bread at a bakery in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Nov. 18, 2024. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said many UN-supported bakeries have been operating at diminished capacity due to critical shortages of flour. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Xinhua

In a statement released on November 23, 2024, Africa CDC highlighted that the decision reflects Rwanda’s “remarkable achievements in exceptional leadership and innovative management” in containing the outbreak.

The statement added, 'It affirms the nation’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding public health and restoring confidence in Africa and the World.'

Rwanda initially declared the Marburg outbreak on September 27, 2024, identifying it as a zoonotic disease originating from bats.

Recognizing the virus’s severe threat, with a potential fatality rate of over 80% if left unchecked, Africa CDC acted swiftly. Within 24 hours of the declaration, it deployed over 30 public health experts and critical resources to aid Rwanda’s response.

Africa CDC’s support proved pivotal, enhancing laboratory networks, surveillance systems, community engagement strategies, and the country’s overall capacity to mount a robust and coordinated response.

Demonstrating hands-on leadership, Africa CDC’s Director General prioritized Africa’s urgent health crises, including Marburg and Mpox, over international engagements.

The Director General canceled attendance at high-profile events like the World Health Summit, G20, and COP29 to focus on direct support. This included multiple visits to Rwanda to work closely with relevant officials and other stakeholders.

On November 15, the Ministry of Health (MoH), highlighted that 14 days had passed since the last new case was detected in the country, and it had been eight days since the final patient was discharged from the hospital.

Subsequently, the Ministry of Health, on November 16, announced the end of the monitoring period for individuals who had contact with Marburg virus cases.

Despite this milestone, authorities stressed that preventive measures remain active, with recovered patients still under medical observation to ensure public safety.

Acknowledging Rwanda’s progress, Africa CDC’s Director General formally appealed to the U.S. government to reassess the travel advisory.

A letter addressed to the U.S. Secretary of Health and the CDC Director was submitted via the U.S. Ambassador to the African Union on November 18, 2024. The appeal emphasized Rwanda’s exemplary outbreak management and its containment success.

According to WHO protocols, Africa CDC will continue supporting Rwanda as it monitors for the official end of the outbreak, expected on December 12, 2024, following 42 days without new confirmed cases since October 30, 2024.

'Africa CDC extends its gratitude to African Heads of State, governments, and communities for their unwavering trust and support,' the statement continued, emphasizing the critical role of global solidarity and cooperation. It also discouraged the use of travel bans as a primary response to health crises, highlighting the importance of the U.S. as a key partner in Africa’s health sector.

Africa CDC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with the U.S. and global stakeholders to enhance Africa’s health systems for future outbreak responses.

'Together, we will continue building a resilient and self-reliant Africa, safeguarding the health of 1.4 billion Africans while contributing to global health security,' the statement concluded.

The Ministry of Health, on November 16, announced the end of the monitoring period for individuals who had contact with Marburg virus cases.

Théophile Niyitegeka

In response, Arth Biobags has emerged as a pioneering force in promoting global environmental sustainability. The company offers eco-friendly packaging materials proudly manufactured in Rwanda—a vision deeply inspired by Rwanda’s groundbreaking decision nearly two decades ago to ban plastic bags.

Supported by a $10 million investment, Arth Biobags turns agricultural by-products into compostable packaging blending cutting-edge technology with a commitment to sustainable innovation.

In 2022, Arth Biobags joined the global fight against plastic pollution by introducing eco-friendly, plant-based packaging solutions in Rwanda.

Founded by Sidharth Bohra who also serves as the Managing Director, the company has quickly established itself as a leader in sustainable innovation.

'Our packaging solutions are made from plant-based materials and they are 100% eco-friendly,' says Bohra, underscoring the company’s mission to replace non-eco-friendly plastics with alternatives that are both environmentally friendly and home compostable.

Operating out of its processing facility in Kigali, Arth Biobags initially focused on flexible packaging. These products cater to diverse industries, including food processing, agriculture, and meat production, as well as small and medium enterprises.

Bohra highlights the impact of the local business environment on the company’s success.

'The Rwandan business environment and the support from the government are very excellent. The way they have enforced the plastic ban and their aggressive actions to eliminate plastic from the market have been instrumental,' he notes.

This support has positioned Arth Biobags as a key player in providing sustainable alternatives aligned with Rwanda’s environmental goals.

Innovation lies at the heart of Arth Biobags’ operations. The company has developed two proprietary, plant-based polymers under its Arth Biobags initiative.

These materials are not only eco-friendly but also fall under the home compostable category, meaning they can break down naturally within 120 to 150 days.

'We started doing prototypes of various products to find the right fit for the market,' Bohra explains. 'Now, our intention is to manufacture this biopolymer locally within Rwanda.'

While raw materials were initially sourced externally, the company is building a state-of-the-art facility in Rwanda’s Special Economic Zone to enable local production.

This move is expected to significantly reduce costs, minimize import dependency, and boost the country’s exports. 'We are trying to bring the cost almost to half of the plastic cost,' Bohra shares. 'This solution will be 100% made in Rwanda and exported to other parts of the world, bringing more forex gain for the country.'

Beyond its economic benefits, Arth Biobags’ home compostable packaging offers a transformative solution to waste management challenges, particularly in regions lacking proper waste segregation facilities.

'If you dump them on the ground or any composting site, these materials will naturally degrade into manure for the soil without leaving toxic chemicals or heavy metals,' Bohra explains. 'Basically, this will act as food for the soil, nourishing it and contributing to agricultural sustainability.'

The impact of this innovation extends far beyond Rwanda’s borders. Bohra reveals that demand for their solutions is growing across Africa and Asia, where governments and industries are seeking sustainable packaging alternatives.

'Various parts of Africa have started contacting us to understand how we can supply this solution to them,' he says. 'The raw materials—starch, cellulose, and fibers derived from plants—can all be produced locally with our new facility. This is the vision with which Arth Biobags is leading the market.'

Bohra sees Rwanda as an ideal hub for such groundbreaking work. 'Rwanda is a very attractive place for investors and technology solution providers,' he notes, crediting the government’s strong enforcement of the plastic ban and commitment to sustainability. He adds, 'From Rwanda, we are trying to develop a solution that is made in Rwanda but for the world.'

As Arth Biobags scales its operations, it remains steadfast in its mission to replace harmful plastics with sustainable alternatives. 'Plastic is a challenge across the world,' Bohra states.

'This solution doesn’t just fill the gap left by the plastic ban but also protects the environment from the adverse impacts of plastic pollution.'

With its innovative approach, Arth Biobags is setting an example for how local ingenuity can drive global change, creating a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

Some of manufactured packaging materials can be used for wrapping of food items.

These products cater to diverse industries, including food processing, agriculture, and meat production, as well as small and medium enterprises.

The company anufactuters various types of packaging materials.

These eco-friendly packaging materials are also perfect for wrapping shirts for sale.

The company’s packaging materials are 100% eco-friendly.

The packaging materials are available in different sizes.

IGIHE

The decision, made at a meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee, is based on the rising number and continuing geographic spread of cases, operational challenges in the field, and the need to mount and sustain a cohesive response across countries and partners, the WHO said in a statement.

In August, the WHO declared a health emergency due to the outbreak of mpox in Africa. A total of 12,596 cases had been confirmed as of Nov. 17, according to a WHO report.

Xinhua