Nicholas Hitimana, the founder of Ikirezi Natural Products, has pioneered the essential oils industry in Rwanda, recognizing the potential for high-value crops in the country's limited arable land. By growing crops like geranium, which can be harvested up to four times a year in Rwanda compared to twice in South Africa, farmers can significantly increase their income. Ikirezi Natural Products, with 25 hectares of plantations, exports essential oils to various countries for use in the perfume industry. Rwanda's essential oil exports are growing, with a new laboratory established for quality control to meet international standards. The country aims to reduce its trade deficit and increase the value of its exports through this burgeoning sector.

West African leaders, including Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and Ghana's former president John Dramani Mahama, are set to return to The Gambia to persuade President Yahya Jammeh to step down as his mandate expires on January 18. Jammeh, who has been in power for 22 years, is refusing to leave office despite losing the election to Adama Barrow. There are concerns about security, a potential refugee crisis, and a media crackdown in The Gambia. The possibility of using force to ensure a peaceful transfer of power has not been ruled out. Meanwhile, a shortage of judges for Jammeh's Supreme Court case against the IEC is likely to delay the legal proceedings. The US embassy has taken precautions by sending non-essential staff and family members out of the country.

International envoys in Kigali, Rwanda, have agreed on a timetable for phasing out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases used in refrigerators and air conditioners. This amendment to the 1987 Montreal Protocol is seen as a significant step in combating global warming. The deal was reached after intense negotiations, with developing countries like India concerned about the costs and technology transfer. The phase-out of HFCs, which are thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat, could potentially reduce global warming by 0.5 degrees Celsius by 2100. Developed countries will start reducing HFC use by 2019, with different timelines for developing nations. The agreement is legally binding and follows the goals set by the Paris climate agreement.

Rwanda has launched a drone delivery system, designed by California-based robotics company Zipline, to transport blood to 21 clinics in the country's western region. The initiative aims to address the high maternal mortality rates in Africa, exacerbated by the difficulty of transporting blood due to Rwanda's hilly terrain and heavy rains. The drones, known as 'Zips', can travel up to 150 kilometers, carry 1.5 kilos of cargo, and potentially make 150 deliveries a day. The project, which received a $1.1 million investment from UPS and Gavi, is not cheaper than traditional delivery methods but promises to be much faster. A second base is planned for next year to cover the entire country, with hopes to expand the cargo to include vaccines in the future.

The article discusses the plight of Burundian refugees in Rwanda, who have fled their country due to a political crisis sparked by President Pierre Nkurunziza's controversial third term. A bar named 'Imuhira', run by a cooperative of Burundian refugees, has become a hub for the community in Kigali, providing employment and a place to maintain their culture and connections. Despite legal permission to work, refugees struggle to find jobs due to saturated markets and employers' lack of awareness. The UNHCR has noted these challenges. The refugees use WhatsApp groups and other means to stay connected and support each other. The article also touches on the skepticism of the refugees towards the Burundian government's claims of peace, citing ongoing repression and human rights abuses reported by the UN and other organizations.

Rwandans are set to vote in a presidential election expected to see Paul Kagame win a third term. Kagame, who ended the 1994 genocide, faces two minor candidates, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and independent Philippe Mpayimana. Critics argue the short campaign period and restrictions on opposition activities demonstrate Kagame's suppression of dissent. Kagame's victory seems certain after a 2015 referendum allowed him to run for a third term, potentially extending his rule until 2034. Despite economic growth and stability under Kagame, human rights groups criticize his authoritarian rule, citing repression of opposition and media. Some believe the presence of Habineza and Mpayimana in the race is merely symbolic, as they pose no real threat to Kagame's power.

World envoys have reached a historic agreement in Kigali, Rwanda, to phase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases used in refrigerators and air conditioners, under the Montreal Protocol. The deal, which aims to reduce global warming, requires rich countries to reduce HFC use sooner than developing nations. The agreement was celebrated by UN Environment Programme chief Erik Solheim and the US Environmental Protection Agency. However, there was some disappointment over the later start date for countries like India and Gulf nations. The deal is seen as a significant step following the Paris climate agreement and could reduce global warming by 0.5 degrees by 2100. The transition away from HFCs may be costly for developing countries, and negotiations were challenging, with US Secretary of State John Kerry among the attendees.

Relations between Rwanda and Burundi have deteriorated, particularly affecting the border town of Akanyaru, where trade has significantly slowed. The tension escalated after Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza sought a controversial third term in April 2015, leading to accusations from Bujumbura that Rwanda was supporting Burundian rebels. Rwanda has denied these claims, although UN investigators found evidence supporting them. The strained relations have led to a decrease in cross-border trade, with Burundi suspending food exports and Rwandan traders facing hostility and accusations of being infiltrators. Rwanda's trade minister reported a 40 percent drop in exports to Burundi, and prices for certain commodities in Rwanda have risen as a result. Despite Rwanda's objections to Burundi's trade restrictions under East African common market rules, the situation remains tense with no resolution in sight.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has won a third term in office with a preliminary 98 percent of votes, according to partial results. Kagame, who has been in power since the end of the 1994 genocide, was expected to win the election handily. The national elections commission, led by chairman Kalisa Mbanda, reported a voter turnout of 97 percent from the 6.9 million registered voters. Kagame's opponents, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana, received minimal votes. Kagame is seen as a polarizing figure, praised for Rwanda's economic growth and stability but criticized for suppressing opposition and free speech. The election follows a 2015 constitutional amendment that could allow Kagame to stay in power until 2034.

Rwandans are set to vote in a presidential election where incumbent Paul Kagame is expected to win a third term. Kagame's main opponents, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and independent Philippe Mpayimana, had only three weeks to campaign and face an uphill battle against the well-established Kagame and his party, the RPF. Kagame's confidence is bolstered by a 2015 referendum allowing him to potentially stay in power until 2034. While Kagame is praised for Rwanda's recovery post-genocide, human rights groups criticize his suppressive tactics against opposition and free speech. The election is seen by some as a mere formality, with Kagame's victory considered a foregone conclusion by many, including himself.