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Manzi, who has been in detention since his arrest on July 30, first appeared before the court on August 19, when his trial was postponed after the defence said they were not ready for trial.

The prosecution presented three charges against him: obtaining something of value by deception, illegal currency exchange, and money laundering. It is alleged that Manzi, together with his wife, founded Billion Traders FX and encouraged people to invest their money with a promise to return their capital along with the profits.

Preliminary information from Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) indicated that at least 500 people had invested up to $10 million in the company.

The prosecution explained that Manzi received large sums of money, some directly to him and others through his wife, but failed to fulfil the promises he made to investors. Frustrated investors eventually turned to the justice system for help.

Under the law, anyone engaged in currency trading must obtain authorization from the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), which Manzi did not have. It is also alleged that when Manzi registered his company with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), he claimed he would trade currency but instead conducted illegal online currency exchanges not permitted in Rwanda.

The prosecution presented evidence that Manzi promised investors lucrative returns, such as a 'double profit package' where a $10,000 investment could yield $20,000 in just five months. Another scheme promised 0.8% monthly returns on a $30,000 investment, with the principal returned after five months.

It is understood that the invested funds are still unaccounted for because the suspect claims that the money was frozen abroad.

In November 2022, the Capital Markets Authority alerted RIB that Manzi was operating without a license, posing a risk to investors. The prosecution further explained that inspections conducted on January 2, 2024, and December 28, 2023, found that neither Manzi’s nor his wife’s accounts had any funds, suggesting money laundering by transferring the money elsewhere.

Given these serious submissions, the prosecution requested the court to order his detention while the case is under preparation for trial arguing that his detention would prevent him from evading justice fleeing.

In response, the suspect denied all charges, stating that the prosecution’s claims differed from the operations of his company, which he launched in 2020. He explained that before starting the company, he sought authorization from BNR and was told there was no existing law permitting such a business but was allowed to operate as regulations were being developed.

He claimed that in 2022, BNR and Capital Markets staff visited his company and praised its operations, but shortly after, they issued a public notice on television, warning people against investing in it.

Manzi stated that in November 2022, RIB froze the company’s bank accounts, blocking over $990,000 and causing significant losses. He asked the public to file complaints to address emerging issues related to the frozen funds.

He later communicated with RIB to return the frozen funds to the rightful owners, which he said was done. Manzi insisted that his business was neither fraudulent nor deceptive, as it had been running for ten years, and asked for justice so that he could return the money owed to Rwandans.

He mentioned that he worked with a company called Ice Markets in Australia, which also froze over $2.5 million of his funds after the investigation began.

'The Rwandans’ money is available, and we know where it is. I ask for a chance to recover and return it to the rightful owners,' he said.

Manzi argued that if released, he could continue to recover his frozen funds and pay back those he owes. He indicated that by December 2023, he had already repaid over 70% of the capital received from the public.

Manzi explained that promising seemingly exaggerated profits was based on what he believed was possible. 'This business is not widely understood; people often misinterpret it. I saw it as feasible, and I still believe it is. I made a profit, and so did the Rwandans. If this is properly understood in Rwanda, it could benefit the country,' he said.

He revealed that he had 559 clients at the time. Manzi argued that continued detention would not benefit anyone, as the Australian company holding his funds would only release them once his legal issues in Rwanda were resolved.

His lawyer, Me Zawadi Sylvere, emphasized that Manzi would not flee justice and requested the court to allow him to be followed up while out of detention.

The court’s decision will be announced on August 28, 2024.

Manzi, who has been in detention since his arrest on July 30, first appeared before the court on August 19, when his trial was postponed after the defence said they were not ready for trial.

Sam K Nkurunziza

The Bible introduces early prophetic figures like Abraham and Moses, with Moses famously described as having spoken to God “face to face” in Exodus 33:11. Over time, other prophets, such as Samuel and Elijah, acted as intermediaries between God and the people, delivering warnings, guidance, and predictions about future events.

In later prophetic books like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, prophecy evolved to take on more complex and often apocalyptic themes, foretelling the fate of nations and the coming of the Messiah (Isaiah 53). These prophets not only warned of impending judgment but also offered hope for restoration, as seen in Jeremiah 31:31-34.

However, while prophecy is revered, it has also sparked considerable debate due to its potential for misuse. History is replete with figures who have used prophetic claims to influence and guide their followers, sometimes with dire consequences.

For example, the Jonestown massacre in 1978, led by Jim Jones, serves as a stark reminder of how prophecy can be exploited. Similarly, Nostradamus and Joseph Smith have made prophetic claims that have drawn both devotion and skepticism.

Notably, the Great Disappointment of 1844, where followers of William Miller awaited the Second Coming of Christ only to be left devastated when it did not occur, underscores the fallibility of those who claim to foresee the future.

Despite frequent failures, some prophetic leaders maintain their influence, often exploiting the concept of prophecy for personal gain. For instance, L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, has been accused of using prophecies to amass wealth and control followers, illustrating how prophecy can be manipulated for self-interest rather than genuine spiritual guidance.

The allure of knowing the future has made people susceptible to these predictions, often abandoning reason and critical thinking in favor of blind faith.

This issue is not confined to a global context; it has also affected regional countries, including Rwanda. For instance, several individuals in Rwanda have been blamed for delivering misleading prophecies. Some have been accused of defrauding people by soliciting money in exchange for promised miracles.

31 believers of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church were apprehended in Kayonza District in July 2023, for spreading false rumors about an impending apocalypse. These individuals, who defied government measures related to Covid-19, tax collection, and children’s education, claimed these measures were unnecessary burdens because “the end of the world is imminent.”

Such incidents underscore the importance of caution when interpreting religious teachings. Misleading prophecies can have severe consequences, as evidenced by historical events like the followers of William Miller in 1844 and those who sold their properties ahead of the year 2000, expecting the world to end. Despite these lessons, some continue to fall prey to such predictions, leading to personal and societal setbacks.

In light of these incidents, worshippers are urged to exercise caution when interpreting religious teachings to avoid being misled by unfounded apocalyptic messages.

With visionary leadership that oversees the interests of citizens, Rwanda is aware of possible societal ruin if the public follows religions blindly and institutes policies to ensure religious denominations remain compliant with legal norms to protect the public.

Efforts are evident through recent decisions to shut down non-compliant churches that attracted mixed reactions.

In August 2024, the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) revealed that 59.3% of over 13,000 inspected churches had been closed due to non-compliance with regulations, translating to approximately 7,709 churches.

At the time, RGB explained that while some closed churches lacked minor requirements, others required significant adjustments. Additionally, there were churches operating without proper authorization, with individuals or groups opening places of worship without the necessary permits.

Despite the large number of churches in Rwanda, RGB emphasized that the issue is not the quantity but whether they meet required standards, including whether the leaders of these congregations have the qualifications mandated by law.

President Paul Kagame, addressing newly sworn-in parliamentarians recently, expressed concern that some churches were established primarily to exploit the limited wealth of Rwandans for the founders’ benefit.

He criticized absurd claims by some pastors, such as receiving divine apparitions, and warned that following “insane” individuals jeopardizes the country’s progress. President Kagame urged Parliament to ensure that churches comply with legal requirements and to stop those exploiting people under the guise of religion.

This issue is not limited to Rwanda. Last year, a Kenyan pastor 'misled' his followers, ordering them to starve to death in order to meet Jesus, resulting in over 300 deaths.

These latest developments remind us of the foretold Doomsday in the year 2000, which never materialized. Those with agile hearts who fell for such prophecies ended up selling their properties at giveaway prices and suffered the consequences of their decisions, believing they would not need them after the failed end of the world.

In the midst of these scenarios, should we continue to allow such practices to persist? As the Rwandan adage goes, “Imana ifasha uwifashije,” meaning “God’s help begins with individual efforts.” The answer lies within each of us to distinguish right from wrong but it is clear that a balance between faith and objectivity is necessary for the well-being of individuals and society at large.

Some of believers of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church apprehended in Kayonza District in July 2023, for allegedly spreading false rumors about an impending apocalypse.

Théophile Niyitegeka

This follows a meeting between Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of Regional Cooperation, and his Japanese counterpart, Tsuji Kiyoto, on Sunday, August 25, 2024.

Kabarebe is in Japan to attend the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Ministerial Meeting, ahead of TICAD 9, which will be held in Yokohama from August 20 to 22, 2025. TICAD was launched in 1993 to promote Africa’s development, peace and security, through the strengthening of relations in multilateral cooperation and partnership.

During the meeting, State Minister Tsuji congratulated President Paul Kagame on his re-election and paid tribute to Rwanda’s efforts toward national reconciliation, reconstruction, and stability over the 30 years since the Genocide against the Tutsi.

In turn, Kabarebe expressed his appreciation for Japan’s assistance and his hope to further strengthen the already strong bilateral relations between the two countries.

State Minister Tsuji, while referring to his recent visit to Rwanda in May this year, welcomed the momentum of Japanese companies developing new business in Rwanda. The two parties agreed to work together to increase investment from Japan to Rwanda by improving the business environment for Japanese companies.

'They confirmed the further development of Japan-Rwanda relations towards TICAD 9 next year,' Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. 'They also exchanged views regarding cooperation in the international arena, including regional situations.'

Japan’s development cooperation in Rwanda currently includes loans, grants, and technical assistance, with a focus on enhancing infrastructure, agricultural development and education among others.

In March, the Government of Rwanda and Japan signed a long-term financing agreement worth 14 billion Japanese Yen (approximately Rwf118 billion to support transformation of the education sector.

Rwanda said the agreement in form of a concessional loan marked a pivotal step towards driving digital transformation within education, enhancing operational efficiency across primary and secondary levels, and fostering an enriched learning environment within technical colleges. The overarching objective is to ensure equitable access to quality education for all.

Gen. (Rtd) James Kabarebe, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of Regional Cooperation held a meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Tsuji Kiyoto, on Sunday, August 25, 2024.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Rae Hamoonga, the police spokesperson, said the accident occurred around on Sunday morning after the workers finished loading the gravel, burying the truck and the victims.

He said the driver, who was rescued after being partially buried, informed the police that there were no less than nine people at the scene.

The rescue team has managed to retrieve eight bodies while the search for the other victims is still underway, the spokesperson added.

“Our rescue teams have been working tirelessly to recover those affected by this incident. However, due to the challenging conditions at the site, the rescue operation has been temporarily suspended for the day,” he said in a statement.

Xinhua

He said this during an exclusive interview with IGIHE where he highlighted Rwanda’s rapid progress under the leadership of President Paul Kagame.

“Rwanda’s transformation in the real estate sector is nothing short of remarkable,” Dr. Moses said.

“The strategic vision that has guided this nation’s development, particularly in infrastructure and urban planning, has not only attracted global attention but has also established Rwanda as a model for sustainable growth in Africa,” he emphasized.

Dr. Moses says Rwanda’s transformation in the real estate sector is nothing short of remarkable.

Dr. Moses, originally from Edo State, Nigeria, and now based in London, has built a successful career in property investment and wealth creation. His recent focus on Rwanda signals his recognition of the country’s success in creating a stable and attractive environment for real estate development.

This follows his recent appearance on Rwanda’s National Broadcasting Network (RBA), where he first expressed his admiration for the country’s progress. However, his engagement with Rwanda extends beyond this.

On August 4, 2024, Dr. Moses was honoured as a keynote speaker at the 100 Most Notable Icons event held in Kigali, where he received the International Business and Property Developer of the Year award.

On August 4, 2024, Dr. Moses (center) was honoured as a keynote speaker at the 100 Most Notable Icons event held in Kigali and rewarded as International Business and Property Developer of the Year

This recognition highlights his growing involvement in the African real estate market and his interest in contributing to Rwanda’s continued success.

Moses elaborated on his future plans in Rwanda, including a sensitization workshop scheduled for December 2024 in Kigali. The workshop aims to empower local real estate professionals and investors with insights and strategies for success in the sector.

“I see tremendous potential in Rwanda, and I am committed to contributing to the growth of its real estate market,” Moses stated. “This workshop is just one step in what I hope will be a long-term partnership with the country.”

An aerial view of an estate in Kibagabaga in Kigali.

Moses also expressed his admiration for Rwanda’s consistent policies that foster growth while ensuring that development benefits the broader population.

“Rwanda’s success in the real estate sector is a testament to what can be achieved with visionary leadership and strategic planning,” he noted.

Underscoring Moses’s deepening connection to Rwanda and his belief in the country’s potential, his plans for future investments and initiatives are seen as a vote of confidence in Rwanda’s economic stability and its prospects for continued development in the real estate sector.

As Rwanda continues to position itself as a leading destination for real estate investment in Africa, Moses’s involvement is an indication of a critical role in shaping the market’s future.
His upcoming workshop and potential investments are anticipated to not only enhance the local real estate industry but also contribute to the broader economic landscape.

This highlights the importance of Rwanda’s achievements in real estate and the growing interest from international experts who are eager to be part of the country’s success story.

Dr. Moses, originally from Edo State, Nigeria, and now based in London, has built a successful career in property investment and wealth creation.

Sam K Nkurunziza

The DRC is the epicenter of the current resurgence of Mpox, with South Kivu and Equateur provinces being the hardest hit by the outbreak.

Out of more than 16,000 Mpox cases reported in the DRC in 2024, South Kivu leads with approximately 4,600 suspected and confirmed cases. According to local authorities, the province is currently seeing 350 new cases per week.

Dr. Vincent Sanvura, who coordinates the One Health zoonoses prevention project for VSF in the Kahuzi-Biega park region, describes the situation as 'increasingly worrying.'

Dr. Sanvura noted that due to the challenges faced by the health system, hospitals do not provide food or “caretakers”; it is the patient’s family that handles this, raising the risk of contamination and infection even within hospitals.

“When children are ill, they are accompanied by their parents, who all spend the night in the same room, making it easy for the child to infect the mother or relatives who bring food,” Sanvura said.

The doctor revealed that this lack of food in hospitals has even led some patients in quarantine at health centers in Kamituga to escape in search of food.

“This has contributed to spreading the disease elsewhere,' Dr. Sanvura observed.

Mpox is a viral disease that spreads from animals to humans but can also be transmitted through close physical contact. The disease causes fever, muscle pain, and skin lesions. The clade 1 strain responsible for the current outbreak in Africa has a fatality rate of 3.6% and is particularly dangerous for children, according to the Word Health Organisation.

Denis Ripoche, who visited in July to assess the Mpox crisis and the actions of his NGO, VSF, noted that the severe impact on South Kivu is not accidental, given the insecurity in the area, which has resulted in a lot of movement.

“It is a complex crisis zone with multiple constraints,” Ripoche observed.

VSF is combating the spread of zoonotic epidemics among both animal and human populations in the region. This area experiences significant movement: commercial, natural, and currently driven by security constraints, particularly in Greater North Kivu, where M23 rebel groups have been advancing.

Limited diagnostic capacities in the region have also complicated the situation in South Kivu.

'Laboratory diagnostic capacities to detect Mpox cases are severely lacking,” Sanvura said, adding, “Yet this is the most essential component in controlling diseases, especially zoonoses (animal-origin diseases like Mpox). We are therefore unable to conduct analyses even of contact individuals to isolate the pathogen. Asymptomatic individuals circulate, so the virus also spreads within the population.”

So far, 13 countries on the African continent have confirmed cases of Mpox, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Data from the public health agency indicate that from the beginning of 2024 to August 23, a total of 21,466 potential cases of Mpox and 591 deaths have been reported from 13 African Union (AU) member states.

The AU members that have reported Mpox cases so far include Rwanda, Burundi, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Gabon, Liberia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda.

Some of the interventions Africa CDC has rolled out to address the outbreak include vaccination, which the agency stated earlier this week could begin “in the coming days.”

Additionally, Africa CDC announced the deployment of around 200 epidemiologists and logisticians to all Mpox-affected African countries to support preparedness and response activities.

Mpox is a viral disease that spreads from animals to humans but can also be transmitted through close physical contact.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The upcoming session in Gulu district, scheduled for August 28, 2024, has sparked mixed reactions from both the public and political leaders, highlighting a growing divide in how these sessions are perceived.

Some view them as a vital opportunity for direct engagement with legislators, while others, like the Parliament’s Leader of Opposition in the Museveni Government Joel Ssenyonyi, criticize the initiative as an ineffective and costly endeavour.

Ssenyonyi has been particularly outspoken, labeling the regional sittings as a misuse of public funds and calling on MPs to boycott the events. He argues that the sessions will not address the country’s most urgent issues and accuses the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, of orchestrating a wasteful exercise.

“These sessions are nothing more than a facade, an excuse to squander taxpayers’ money,” Ssenyonyi stated, urging his fellow parliamentarians to reconsider their participation.

In contrast, Bugiri Municipality MP and Justice Forum (JEMA) Party President Asuman Basalirwa has taken a firm stance in support of the sessions.

Dismissing Ssenyonyi’s concerns as mere noise, Basalirwa emphasized that the expenses have been carefully managed by Parliament, with provisions made for transportation and logistics. “This is not about cost; it’s about connecting with the people we serve,” Basalirwa explained, expressing his commitment to attending the Gulu session despite the growing controversy.

As the date approaches, the mixed reactions to the regional parliamentary sessions reflect broader uncertainties in Uganda’s political climate, leaving the public divided on whether these initiatives will bring meaningful change or deepen existing divides.

A collage featuring Bugiri Municipality MP and Justice Forum (JEMA) Party President Asuman Basalirwa alongside Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Ugandan Parliament.

Sam K Nkurunziza

Data from the public health agency indicate that from the beginning of 2024 to August 23, a total of 21,466 potential cases of mpox and 591 deaths have been reported from 13 African Union (AU) member states.

The AU members that have reported mpox cases so far include Rwanda, Burundi, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Gabon, Liberia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda.

Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya, in a letter to African health ministers on Friday, warned that the reported mpox cases and deaths are just the tip of the iceberg, given that mpox is mostly a mild condition. He added that limited surveillance, testing, contact tracing, and reporting have also hindered the continent’s response efforts against mpox.

Kaseya also highlighted the high case fatality rate of mpox, which he noted typically ranges from 3 to 4 percent. Additionally, he expressed concern about the disease’s association with HIV, which poses an extra challenge for Africa.

Kaseya noted that several previously unaffected African countries have recently reported their first imported cases of mpox, and there is a high risk that the virus could spread beyond Africa.

“Even as I wrote this letter, Gabon has confirmed its first case, while Sierra Leone and Malawi are now testing their suspected cases,” Kaseya said.

He insisted that a negative test result in the laboratory does not necessarily indicate the absence of a mpox epidemic. He called for a holistic approach that integrates laboratory testing with clinical assessments and epidemiological data.

“Relying solely on laboratory test results for diagnosing mpox is not advisable. We need a comprehensive approach that includes laboratory testing, clinical assessment, and epidemiological data to accurately diagnose and manage mpox,” he said.

Africa CDC declared mpox a public health emergency of continental security on August 13, 2024. The following day, the World Health Organization (WHO) also declared it a public health emergency of international concern.

Some of the interventions Africa CDC has rolled out to address the outbreak include vaccination, which the agency stated earlier this week could begin “in the coming days.”

Additionally, Africa CDC announced the deployment of around 200 epidemiologists and logisticians to all mpox-affected African countries to support preparedness and response activities. This follows the recent deployment of 24 experts to support the response in the DRC—the epicenter of the outbreak—and other highly affected countries.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has warned about the rapid spread of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, following confirmed cases in 13 countries across the continent.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Durov, holding French citizenship, was arrested on charges allegedly related to Telegram’s refusal to cooperate with French law enforcement, French media reported.

The accusations against Durov include terrorism, drug trafficking, fraud, and money laundering, reports said, adding that Durov could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

The Russian Embassy in France took prompt steps to clarify the situation before the New People party’s representative Vladislav Davankov urged the Russian government to seek Durov’s release, TASS reported.

The Russian Embassy in Paris immediately began working on the case as it is the duty of Russian diplomats to respond to cases involving the detention of Russian citizens abroad, Zakharova said.

Durov was reportedly detained as he exited his private jet after landing at Le Bourget Airport on Saturday night.

Durov founded Telegram in 2013. The messaging app is influential in Russia and has become a critical source of information during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Durov, holding French citizenship, was arrested on charges allegedly related to Telegram’s refusal to cooperate with French law enforcement, French media reported.

Xinhua

In a recent interview with state broadcaster Rwanda TV, Gallo noted that Kigali hosting the BAL games over the past four years has not only energized the local basketball ecosystem but also highlighted Africa’s potential on the global stage.

According to Gallo, Kigali’s state-of-the-art facilities, such as the BK Arena, combined with strong governmental support and a commitment to excellence, have created an ideal environment for nurturing talent and hosting world-class events.

'We were very intentional in making sure that this is where we wanted to come and launch our African product when we did that in the middle of the pandemic because of the conditions that existed here. You have a world-class arena, world leadership that is extremely supportive, and visionary leadership that shared in what we saw that sports can do as a driver of the economy,' Gallo said while commenting about the launch of BAL in Rwanda four years ago.

He observed that the ongoing FIBA World Cup Women’s Qualifiers, coming to the continent for the first time, are happening in Rwanda because “Kigali has really established itself as a hub for global events”.

'When you see a filled arena like we saw in the past games—the two games that I’ve seen the Rwanda team play—for me, that’s a testament to the work that’s been done here by Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA) and the entire leadership of this country to make sure that we continue to create platforms where Africa can be showcased at a major level now that we have created this interest,' Gallo said.

Rwanda’s efforts in promoting sports have not only inspired and empowered young athletes but have also driven economic growth through increased tourism and international partnerships.

'Rwanda has been at the forefront of looking to promote tourism, inviting visitors to their country with the partnerships they’ve done in other sports. So when they partnered with the NBA, they recognized that they were partnering with the best in class in terms of commercializing and operating a professional sports league,' he added.

To continue promoting economic empowerment and development through sports, the BAL boss emphasized the need to double efforts by building local expertise and continuing to grow talent both on and off the court.

'We’ve got to continue to work to build expertise, develop coaches, and we have a program for that where we send African coaches to intern in the Summer League in Las Vegas. I think there were two coaches from Rwanda who attended again this year,' Gallo explained.

He attributed South Sudan’s basketball team performance at the Paris Olympics to great leadership and consistency.

'I think in terms of governance and administration of the sport, the example of South Sudan shows that if you have leadership that is consistent, committed, and knows how to organize and identify talent both on and off the court, put it together, and prepare, the results will come because the talent has always been here,' he added.

South Sudan had an impressive run at the 2024 Paris Olympics but fell short of qualifying for the men’s quarter-finals after a heartbreaking loss to Serbia. Serbia defeated South Sudan 96-85 in their final Group C match on August 3, 2024.

The South Sudan team, known as the Bright Stars gained recognition as Olympic contenders thanks to the efforts of former NBA All-Star and president of the country’s basketball federation, Luol Deng.

As BAL prepares for season five, Gallo emphasizes the need to continue attracting partners:
'We’ve got to keep attracting partners like Bank of Kigali, MTN Rwanda, and other companies to invest with us and help us achieve the significant ambitions we have for our league and the sport of basketball.

Amadou Gallo, President of the Basketball Africa League, has praised Rwanda as a pivotal partner in advancing basketball across Africa and promoting economic development through sports.

Wycliffe Nyamasege