Rwanda has experienced a mix of triumphs and challenges throughout 2023, encompassing both international relations and local issues, including the violation of its airspace by DR Congo fighter jets and devastating floods in the Southern, Northern and Western Provinces resulting in over 130 casualties.

Here, we take a look at eight key highlights of Rwanda’s highs and lows in the eventful year.

1. Natural disasters claim up to 135 lives

In May, Rwanda suffered severe natural disasters, including flash floods and landslides, claiming the lives of more than 135 people and injuring 110 in Western, Northern, and Southern provinces.

The aftermath left 5,963 houses destroyed and 20,326 people homeless.

The government quickly moved to repair roads, power stations, and water treatment plants. There was more support from NGOs and individuals who provided much needed foodstuffs, clothes, and other kinds of basic relief aid to the affected population.

2. DR Congo conflict, Sukhois violate Rwanda airspace

Strained relations with DR Congo increasingly got worse in 2022 – with the number of provocation incidents rising – but the situation persisted the next year, highlighted by incidents in which the vast neighbouring country’s fighter jet crossed into Rwandan airspace in January.

At some point, a Sukhoi-25 fighter jet was shot at by Rwanda’s military but it managed to land at the nearby Goma airport without any casualties.

ALSO READ: Kagame: The problem is not between me and Tshisekedi

Kigali emphasized, on several occasions, that it remains committed to the path of dialogue for peace even though it cannot idly stand in case provocations by the DR Congo continue. The government of Rwanda reiterated, on several occasions, that it is not interested in a crisis, but is committed to peace, stability and the "economic development of our region” and wishes to continue working with the DR Congo bilaterally, and through other established regional initiatives.

But things only went from bad to worse, with the Democratic Republic of Congo&039;s leader, Félix Tshisekedi, taking his rhetorical attacks on his Rwandan counterpart to another level in December while he was campaigning for re-election. During a rally in the Congolese town of Bukavu, close to the Rwandan border, the Congolese leader hurled what many analysts have called tactless insults at his Rwandan counterpart.

Kigali observed that this was a loud and clear threat by Tshisekedi.

Whatever the case, the Congolese leader’s comportment in 2023 is bound to have a negative impact in the next year and beyond.

ALSO READ: 2023 leaves eastern DR Congo as unstable as ever

Congolese headed to the polls again on December 20 in a general election marked by widespread logistical troubles that meant some polling stations never opened, following a chaotic campaign marred by allegations of fraud, electoral violence, and logistical setbacks.

In the lead-up to the December 20 elections, Tshisekedi said he would declare war on Rwanda if re-elected. On December 31, Tshisekedi was declared winner of the elections marred by delays, alleged malpractices. The main opposition leaders called for protests after the results were announced.

3. Success in HIV/AIDS management

A UN report hailed Rwanda among the top four countries effectively managing the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The country achieved significant milestones in testing, treatment, and awareness, meeting the "95-95-95" targets set by UNAIDS.

ALSO READ: After hitting global target, Rwanda sets eyes on achieving 100% HIV treatment

The report, ‘The Path that Ends AIDS’, contains data and case studies which highlight that ending AIDS is a political and financial choice, and that the countries and leaders who are already following the path are achieving extraordinary results.

4. Increased revenue from mining; lithium extraction gets underway

Rwanda’s mining income surged, reaching $851.6 million in the first three quarters of 2023.

The sector anticipates hitting $1 billion by the time the fourth quarter results will be out. The industry registered notable increases in the production of tin, tantalum, tungsten, gold, lithium, and gemstones.

5. Inflation pressures

Inflation affected Rwandans, particularly with rising food prices.

ALSO READ: Rwanda’s inflation eases ahead of festive season

The increase of consumer prices on Rwanda’s market eased, reaching 9.2 per cent in November, the first-time inflation had fallen below double digits in 2023. In November 2022, it reached its highest peak at 21.7 percent before starting a decelerating trend since the beginning of 2023, to round at 9.2 percent in November 2023, a decrease from 11.2 percent in October.

The central bank implemented measures, including a lending rate increase to 7.5%, to address the inflation which, officials said mainly stemmed from adverse weather conditions and global tensions.

Overall, the decline during the festive season was attributed to the monetary policy tightening, government-incentivised measures, and falling prices of major international commodities. Economists expect things to get better in 2024, but this is largely subject to agricultural performance and the state of the geopolitical climate.

6. First kidney transplant surgeries

Rwandan and American surgeons at King Faisal Hospital conducted three successful living donor kidney transplants in May.

This marked a significant step toward reducing costly medical referrals abroad, aligning with the government&039;s efforts. The launch of the medical service was in line with the Government's efforts to reduce costly medical referrals abroad.

7. mRNA factory launch

In December, BioNTech Africa inaugurated a state-of-the-art mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility.

Additionally, IRCAD Africa, launched in October, provides advanced minimally invasive surgery training, incorporating artificial intelligence. IRCAD Africa, a world-class research and training centre poised to train thousands of professionals in minimally invasive surgery, opened in Kigali, positioning the Rwandan capital as the continent’s future health hub.

ALSO READ: What hosting new BioNTech manufacturing plant means

8. UNESCO World Heritage Listings

In September, four genocide memorial sites and Nyungwe National Park received UNESCO World Heritage recognition. The park is one of the most important sites for bird conservation in Africa.

Murambi Genocide Memorial in Nyamagabe District, Nyamata Genocide Memorial in Bugesera District, Kigali Genocide Memorial in the City of Kigali, and Bisesero Genocide Memorial in Karongi District were inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in September, The decision was celebrated by Rwanda as a historic moment in the fight against genocide denial and a valuable educational resource for future generations.