The bales were recovered l in a house located in Gisenyi sector, Kivumu cell in Itangazamakuru village, which was being used as store, when Police searched it on Saturday, November 23.
Two men were arrested at the scene in connection with smuggling and fraud.
The Police spokesperson for the Western region, Superintendent of Police (SP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, said: “Police had information about a group of smugglers, which had sneaked unknown quantities of bales of used clothes into Rwanda from DRC, through a porous border called Kukarundo.”
He added: “Later that day, Police searched the house, which was suspected to be their store, they recovered 62 bales and arrested two people at the scene.
Police is also searching for other seven people said to be members of the same ring and owners of the seized bales of clothes.”
SP Karekezi also warned moto-taxi operators, who facilitate smugglers and drug traffickers.
Early this week, ASOC also impounded a vehicle in Rubavu District, which was transporting 16 bales of smuggled second-hand clothes commonly known as caguwa. Two people were arrested over the same act.
Article 87 of the law on tax procedures provides an imprisonment of between 2 and 5 years, for tax evasion.
Under article 199 of the East African Community Management Act, which is applicable in Rwanda, seized smuggled goods are auctioned.
A vehicle intercepted with smuggled goods is also auctioned and the driver slapped a fine of US$5000.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
Recently incorporated into the Volcanoes National Park, Buhanga is not only a haven of natural beauty but also a sacred place steeped in the traditions of Rwanda’s monarchy.
Buhanga Eco Park is a site of historical and cultural importance. Its name, derived from the Kinyarwanda word for “creation,” reflects its profound significance in Rwandan tradition. Legend holds that this forest is where Rwanda’s first king, Gihanga, established the kingdom. For centuries, it served as the coronation ground for Rwandan kings, making it a revered place tied to the country’s origins.
The forest has remained pristine due to its sacred status. Tall Ficus and Drago trees form a lush canopy, creating a serene environment where visitors can wander along trails paved with lava stones. The atmosphere is alive with the sounds of birds and the fluttering of butterflies, adding to the park’s enchanting appeal. It is a sanctuary where nature thrives in harmony with the echoes of history.
Buhanga is home to many remarkable features, including caves and a natural spring called Gihanda. This spring, named after King Gihanga, was integral to the coronation rituals.
Kings would bathe in its waters as part of a ceremonial cleansing before being anointed and crowned. The lava rock platform where they received the instruments of power still stands, surrounded by tales of the blessings and protection the site offered to the kingdom.
Walking through the forest, visitors encounter ancient trees like the “Unity Tree,” or Inyabutatu ya Rwanda, which appears as three trunks intertwined into one. This tree symbolizes the unity of the Rwandan people and serves as a powerful reminder of the country’s shared heritage. Other ancient trees, such as Umusando and Ibigabiro, contribute to the park’s timeless aura, some of them standing tall for over 300 years.
Beyond its cultural significance, Buhanga Eco Park offers a serene escape into nature. The forest is home to species like jackals, porcupines, leopards, and a variety of birds and butterflies. It provides a tranquil environment for anyone seeking peace, adventure, or a deeper connection to Rwanda’s past.
A visit to this sacred forest is a journey into the heart of the country’s identity, where the beauty of nature and the echoes of ancient rituals come together to create an unforgettable experience. For anyone exploring Rwanda, Buhanga is a destination not to be missed.
Brazilian senior officials bid farewell to Xi at the airport.
On the way to the airport, representatives of overseas Chinese, Chinese institutions and students waved the national flags of China and Brazil on both sides of the road, congratulating Xi on the complete success of the visit.
The announcement, made during Xi’s state visit to Brazil, was further bolstered by the leaders’ commitment to align the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Brazil’s development strategies.
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The warmth of China-Brazil relations was on full display during a grand welcoming ceremony hosted by Lula on Wednesday.
The ceremony featured a deeply touching moment: a Brazilian singer performed the iconic Chinese song My Motherland in the Chinese language.
It was a reciprocal gesture. When Lula visited China last year, the Chinese side played the Brazilian song Novo Tempo, or A New Time in English, at the welcoming ceremony.
Both songs carry profound significance in their respective nations. My Motherland, an ode to the Chinese people’s enduring resilience and love for their country, resonates deeply with the Chinese people, while Novo Tempo, with its hopeful lyrics about a brighter future, symbolizes Brazil’s aspirations for progress and renewal even in difficult times.
The choice of the two songs underscores a deep understanding between the two countries: they recognize and honor what each holds most dear.
During his meeting with Lula, Xi said he was deeply touched by the great importance Lula attaches to the China-Brazil relations and his deep friendship toward the Chinese people, as reflected by the grand welcoming ceremony of the highest courtesy accorded to Xi.
Brazil and China are good friends that respect and depend on each other, said Lula at the meeting, adding that China is Brazil’s most important strategic partner, and the Chinese people are the most trustworthy friends of the Brazilian people.
Xi’s visit to Brazil, his fifth to the South American nation, comes as the two major developing countries celebrate five decades of diplomatic relations.
During the meeting, Xi emphasized the deep ties forged over the past half-century, noting the two sides found a right way for major developing countries to get along with each other, one that is based on mutual respect, mutual benefit, amity and win-win cooperation.
Brazil holds a unique place in China’s global partnerships. It is the first country to establish a strategic partnership with China. It is also the first nation in Latin America to enter into a comprehensive strategic partnership with China.
For Julio Bandeira, author of the historical book “Brazil en Route to China,” the Brazilian people have a long history of loving Chinese culture and being close to the Chinese people.
“Today, the overseas Chinese in Brazil have also made great contributions to the Brazilian economy and society,” he said.
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At the heart of the leaders’ discussions was a commitment to align the BRI with Brazil’s key development strategies. These strategies aim to modernize Brazil’s infrastructure and strengthen regional connectivity, goals that echo the BRI’s mission of enhancing global trade and development through shared infrastructure.
The two sides should deepen cooperation in priority areas such as economy and trade, finance, science and technology, infrastructure and environmental protection, and strengthen cooperation in emerging fields such as energy transition, the digital economy, artificial intelligence and green mining, Xi said when jointly meeting the press with Lula after their talks.
Lula, for his part, highlighted plans to focus on expanding and deepening cooperation in areas such as sustainable development, infrastructure, finance, energy transition, and aerospace.
Concrete projects are already underway. For example, the Belo Monte UHV transmission project, which creates an “electricity expressway” linking north and south of Brazil, has not only provided adequate power to industrial hubs there, but also solved the power shortage problem for over 22 million Brazilians.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s abundant renewable resources, including hydroelectric, solar, and wind energy, align seamlessly with China’s expertise in clean energy technology and manufacturing.
Over the past years, Chinese companies have been actively participating in Brazil’s renewable energy sector, particularly in large-scale solar and wind projects, contributing to job creation and technological upgrades in the country.
In a signed article published in Brazilian media ahead of his visit, Xi called on both countries to “seize the opportunities offered by the times” as the new sci-tech revolution and industrial transformation gather pace.
“We should foster more exemplary projects that align with the trend of the times and deliver lasting benefits to the people, and contribute to the common development of our countries and regions,” Xi wrote.
Gleisi Hoffmann, president of Brazil’s Workers’ Party, highlighted the steady growth of economic and trade relations between Brazil and China over the past 50 years. She noted that the partnership has not only met the needs of both nations but also leveraged their respective strengths to create complementary cooperation.
In recent years, she said, China has achieved remarkable progress in areas such as technology, education, and health. Looking ahead, Hoffmann expressed confidence in the potential to deepen collaboration in these fields, envisioning a future marked by what she described as a “new golden 50 years.”
China is promoting high-quality development with new quality productive forces, said Mayara Araujo, a researcher from Brazil’s Fluminense Federal University, referring to advanced productivity that features high-tech, high efficiency and high quality.
Linking Brazil’s development strategies with the BRI will bring more new opportunities to improve and upgrade cooperation between the two countries, said Araujo.
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The elevation of China-Brazil ties to a community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet came shortly after the 19th G20 Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
With the theme “Building a just world and a sustainable planet,” this G20 summit offered a vital platform for leaders to address urgent global challenges, including hunger, economic inequity, and climate change.
After calling on Monday for a just world of common development and a fair and equitable global governance system, Xi on Wednesday called on both countries to step forward for world peace and justice.
The two sides should practice true multilateralism, speak up and act for justice, and make global governance more just and equitable, Xi said during his meeting with Lula.
As major developing countries, China and Brazil should take the lead in championing discussion and consultation, promoting global solidarity, and jointly tackling global challenges that affect the future of humanity, Xi added.
Brazil and China are both committed to expanding the participation of developing countries in the decision-making processes of international organizations, said Evandro Menezes de Carvalho, professor at Brazil’s Getulio Vargas Foundation.
Moreover, their collaboration within mechanisms such as BRICS demonstrates how they can unite around shared goals and translate that solidarity into concrete actions with substantial impact, said the expert, noting that it is precisely for this reason that an increasing number of developing countries are eager to join these institutions.
China launched a monumental anti-poverty campaign on a scale unseen anywhere in the world in recent years.
In 2021, the country declared a “complete victory” in eradicating absolute poverty, which has lifted 800 million people out of absolute poverty, and met the poverty reduction target of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ahead of schedule.
China’s story is proof that developing countries can eliminate poverty, when there is the endurance, perseverance and striving spirit. If China can make it, other developing countries can make it too. This is what China’s battle against poverty says to the world.
Geologists have detected over 40 gold veins, with a reserve of 300 tonnes of gold, within a depth of 2,000 meters beneath the Wangu gold field in Pingjiang County, according to the bureau.
The site’s gold reserve within the depth of 3,000 meters is further estimated at over 1,000 tonnes, valued at 600 billion yuan (about 83 billion U.S. dollars).
“Many drilled rock cores showed visible gold,” said Chen Rulin, an ore-prospecting expert with the Hunan Province Geological Disaster Survey and Monitoring Institute under the bureau, adding that a tonne of ore in the 2,000-meter range contained a maximum of 138 grams of gold.
Liu Yongjun, vice head of the bureau, said that new ore prospecting technologies, such as 3D geological modeling, had been used at the Wangu gold field.
Gold was also found during drills around the site’s peripheral areas, unearthing promising prospects, Liu said.
