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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

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.

IGIHE

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.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

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.

IGIHE

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.

IGIHE

Dusengiyumva met with senior faculty and staff to discuss ongoing projects, including partnerships with the University of Rwanda and UMST’s planned expansion in Kigali.

“UMST’s commitment to healthcare and medical training is clear. The City of Kigali is ready to support initiatives that bring more medical services and learning opportunities to our community,” he said.

A highlight of UMST’s plans is the construction of a state-of-the-art hospital and student hostels in Busanza Sector which will provide both medical services and housing for students.

Mayor Dusengiyumva praised these plans, noting that they align well with the city’s vision for community health and education. “Projects like these are essential for Kigali’s future. They ensure access to healthcare and create a supportive environment for medical students,” he noted.

The Mayor of Kigali City, Samuel Dusengiyumva (C) recently made an important visit to the University of Medical Science and Technology (UMST) Kigali Campus.

On his part, UMST Chancellor Professor Mamoun Homeida shared insights on the university’s journey since 1996, as well as its focus on medical education, research, and service in Rwanda.

“Our goal has always been to contribute meaningfully to Rwanda’s healthcare system and to train future medical professionals. This planned hospital and student accommodation are steps toward creating an integrated learning and healthcare environment.” said Prof. Homeida.

Homeida also expressed appreciation for the support UMST has received from the Rwandan government, highlighting that the new facilities will be instrumental in addressing healthcare needs and improving student life. 'Your support has allowed us to invest in Kigali and build a foundation for medical education here,' he said.

UMST Chancellor Professor Mamoun Homeida shared insights on the university’s developmental journey.

The meeting included a campus tour where the Mayor and UMST leadership inspected the school’s infrastructure and equipment, demonstrating their commitment to collaborate in strengthening Kigali’s healthcare capacity and educational resources through joint efforts.

The meeting included a campus tour where the Mayor and UMST leadership inspected the school’s infrastructure and equipment.

Sam K Nkurunziza

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.

IGIHE

The first accident occurred in Kavura Village, Nyarusange Cell, Muhazi Sector, Rwamagana District, when a truck moving from Tanzania struck a pedestrian crossing the road.

Speaking to IGIHE, SP Twizeyimana Hamduni, spokesperson for the Rwanda National Police in the Eastern Province attributed it to overspeeding.

“The truck hit a man estimated to be around 30 years old, who died instantly. His identity remains unknown, and his body was immediately transported to Rwamagana Hospital,” SP Twizeyimana reported.

The second incident happened in Nyagatare District, in Kibuga I Village, Gakirage Cell, Nyagatare Sector, involving a fatal collision between a motorcyclist and a bicycle.

SP Twizeyimana explained that the accident occurred around 7 p.m., when a 30-year-old motorcyclist collided with a bicycle ridden by a 20-year-old.

'The motorcyclist died on the spot, while the cyclist sustained serious injuries. The accident is believed to have been caused by the failure to maintain a safe distance, as both were moving in the same direction,' he noted.

SP Twizeyimana urged all road users to adhere to traffic regulations, avoid speeding, maintain safe distances, and refrain from distractions like using mobile phones while driving.

He also emphasized the importance of avoiding any behavior, including drunk driving, that could lead to accidents.

The bodies have been taken to Rwamagana and Nyagatare hospitals for postmortem.

IGIHE

The three-day showcase, featured at Stand C5.06 under the Rwandafresh brand, highlights 16 varieties of Rwanda’s finest floral offerings.

And we’re off! Rwanda is showcasing its unique and diverse flower varieties at the International Floriculture Trade Fair #IFTF2024 in Amsterdam, taking place from 5-7 November. The @Rwandafresh stand is exposing 16 varieties of roses from @BellaFlowersRw. Meet us at stand C5.06! pic.twitter.com/0lWNQo7mv7

— 🇷🇼 Rwanda in The Hague 🇳🇱 (@Rwanda_TheHague) November 5, 2024

This year marks Rwanda’s eighth consecutive appearance at the world’s premier flower exhibition. Now in its 14th edition, the event serves as a significant milestone, spotlighting Rwanda’s expanding influence in the global flower market.

Represented by Bella Flowers and supported by the National Agriculture Export Development Board (NAEB), Rwanda’s delegation aims to engage the global market, enhance brand visibility, and attract a broader clientele.

“IFTF 2024 is a fantastic opportunity for Rwanda to establish meaningful connections with buyers worldwide,” says Janet Basiima, Division Manager of Export Markets Development & Innovation at NAEB.

“It’s a chance to elevate our industry on a global scale and highlight the quality of Rwandan flowers.”

Gedion Demissie, Senior Advisor from Bella Flowers, echoes this sentiment, sharing that IFTF is a strategic platform for building relationships with new clients across Europe and Asia, positioning Rwandan flowers as a distinguished choice globally.

'Our goal is to make Rwandan roses a symbol of excellence in the global flower market. By embracing eco-friendly practices and empowering our local communities, we are building an export model that not only meets market demand but also enhances Rwanda’s reputation as a sustainable and innovative player in agriculture,' explains Demissie.

'The international community can now enjoy premium, sustainably-grown Rwandan roses, backed by a dedicated industry that embodies Rwanda’s values of quality, integrity, and environmental stewardship.'

The 2024 trade fair features 151 premier flower growers from 13 nations around the world, representing a 10% increase from last year’s lineup of 137.

Rwanda’s premier floriculture is on display at the International Floriculture Trade Fair (IFTF) in the Netherlands, taking place from November 5 to 7, 2024.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba, CEO of the RSE, applauded Prime Energy’s bold move. 'Green bonds are new in our market in Rwanda, particularly from the SME sector. Prime Energy is pioneering this space, and their proceeds will be reinvested into greening the environment where they operate,' he said.

Highlighting a growing global trend, Rwabukumba remarked that investors are increasingly looking toward greener investments, and this bond is a testament to that shift. The bond’s listing also opens opportunities for those who missed the primary issuance, as the bond is now tradable on the RSE’s secondary market.

Rwabukumba emphasized the significance of this green bond within the context of Rwanda’s broader financial landscape. In recent months, Rwanda has raised over 130 billion Rwandan francs, with local investors contributing more than 90% of the funding.

'It’s something to be proud of. This is the first time in our market’s history that we’ve seen multiple transactions of this scale and frequency, all oversubscribed and involving companies entering the market for the first time,' he said.

Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba, the CEO of the RSE says this bold move.

He viewed this green bond as part of Rwanda’s effort to increase its capital market’s share of the GDP, aiming to reach levels seen in countries like Botswana and South Africa, where stock market capitalizations surpass GDP.

Prime Energy’s listing aligns with Rwanda’s ambitious targets under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which includes plans to double national savings rates within five years.

Rwabukumba believes capital markets will play an essential role in achieving this. 'This is something we have not been able to accomplish in decades through traditional banking alone,' he noted, underlining how capital markets provide 'patient capital' and long-term funds crucial for sustainable development.

Mutesi Linda Rusagara, Rwanda’s Minister of State in Charge of Resource Mobilization and Public Investments also acknowledged Prime Energy’s trailblazing efforts.

'Being a first mover is never easy, so I want to commend Prime Energy. You really could have chosen to seek more traditional financing but you chose to be bold. Today’s bond has shown that the green and sustainable agenda unlocks new types of capital for the private sector,' she stated.

Rusagara emphasized the role of green bonds in attracting fresh capital to Rwanda, assuring the public of government commitment in reducing barriers to sustainable financing to encourage more initiatives such as these.

Mutesi Linda Rusagara, Rwanda’s Minister of State in Charge of Resource Mobilization and Public Investments also acknowledged Prime Energy’s trailblazing efforts.

Grace Kibuthu Ogola, the Operations Officer for Capital Markets at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), celebrated the listing as a major milestone, attributing its success to Prime Energy’s dedication to environmental responsibility and to all partners involved.

'The listing of this bond is a major milestone for Prime Energy. We are immensely proud of this success, having raised funds from global investors to support sustainable growth,' Ogola said.

She praised the green bond as an instrument that symbolizes Prime Energy’s commitment to sustainability and accountability, which align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

'Our environmental and social strategy aligns with IFC performance standards and specifically supports SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy, SDG 9 on industry, innovation, and infrastructure, and SDG 13 on climate action,' she explained.

To maintain transparency, Prime Energy has set up a dedicated Green Bond Committee to monitor the allocation of funds, promising an annual Green Bond Report on its website to ensure accountability to investors and stakeholders.

Grace Kibuthu Ogola is the Operations Officer for Capital Markets at the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Looking forward, both the RSE and Prime Energy see this green bond as a cornerstone for Rwanda’s sustainable financial future. It is seen as paving the way towards creating a greener and more sustainable future as this green bond is expected to inspire further eco-friendly financial ventures in Rwanda.

Prime Energy’s green bond, Rwanda’s first of its kind, reflects the nation’s strong commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. This landmark listing positions Rwanda as a leader in the regional green finance movement and sets a high standard for future sustainable investments.

Prime Energy, a pioneering hydropower producer, has broken new ground in Rwanda’s capital market with the listing of its green bond on the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE).

Sam K Nkurunziza