This prestigious event will bring together global tea industry stakeholders to discuss innovations, sustainability, and the future of tea production and trade in Africa.
From the rolling hills of the Northern, Western and Northern regions where tea is grown, to the vibrant marketplaces in Kigali, tea has long been woven into the fabric of Rwandan agriculture and economy. This October, Rwanda will elevate its status in the global tea industry by hosting this high profile event.
NAEB’s Chief Executive Officer Mr. Claude Bizimana said that Rwanda is honored to once again host the Africa Tea Convention following the successful 2nd African Tea Convention in 2013.
“Rwanda is happy to showcase its high-quality tea industry, which is built on good governance, modernized processes, and the adoption of advanced technologies. This convention provides a unique opportunity to engage, share insights, and shape the future of Africa’s tea sector,” he said.
With a legacy of quality tea production and a vision for sustainable growth, Rwanda has placed itself as the ideal host for this prestigious gathering of global tea industry stakeholders.
To be held under the theme, ‘Harmony in the Cup: Promoting Tea for People and the Planet,’ this tea’s exhibition reflects the urgent need for the tea sector to adapt to rapidly changing global markets, consumer preferences, and environmental realities.
As climate change continues to challenge traditional farming practices, African tea producers, particularly in East Africa, are seeking solutions to ensure both the sustainability and competitiveness of their industry. This discussion will be key at the convention.
The convention will serve as a crucial platform for discussing how technology and sustainable farming methods can revolutionize tea production, increase yields, and improve quality while minimizing the environmental footprint.
As global consumers grow increasingly conscious of where their food and beverages come from, the demand for ethically produced and environmentally friendly tea is on the rise.
Delegates will have the opportunity to explore how African tea producers can capitalize on this trend by adopting sustainable farming practices that not only reduce carbon emissions but also improve soil health and conserve water resources.
From modernizing production techniques to using cutting-edge technology for quality control, African tea producers stand to benefit from advancements that can increase efficiency and improve profitability.
The convention will feature exhibitions showcasing the latest tools and technologies designed to enhance every stage of the tea value chain, from cultivation to packaging.
George Omuga, Managing Director of EATTA, emphasized the importance of unity in the tea industry. “It reflects our commitment to sustainability, climate resilience, and the socio-economic contributions of tea to Africa.” he said.
“We are grateful to the Government of Rwanda, RTA and sponsors for their unwavering support in organizing this event. This convention is a platform not only for dialogue but also for celebrating the African tea industry’s achievements,” he explained.
This event will undoubtedly shine a spotlight on the country’s own tea industry, which has grown significantly over the years. Rwanda’s reputation for producing high-quality tea, especially black tea, has made it a key player in the global market.
Beyond the immediate economic benefits of the convention, hosting such a significant event further cements Rwanda’s position as a hub for agricultural innovation and trade in Africa.
This year’s event will also underscore the critical role tea plays in Africa’s economic development.
“Tea is not just a crop; it’s a lifeline for millions. “The tea industry provides employment opportunities, uplifts rural communities, and contributes significantly to GDP and foreign exchange earnings.” said Omuga.
For Rwanda, the 6th Africa Tea Convention and Exhibition is not just an opportunity to share insights and foster collaborations but also a chance to showcase its commitment to sustainable agriculture and position itself as a leader in the future of the African tea industry.
As the world turns its attention to Kigali on October 9, 2024, the conversations and connections made during the convention will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of African tea for decades to come.
For more information and registration for the event, visit www.africateaconvention.com
Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” due to its picturesque, hilly landscape, Rwanda has garnered global attention for its homegrown solutions that have paved the way for its people to prosper.
Its commitment to development, innovative governance, and national reconciliation has been coupled with a deep respect for cultural identity.
This has brought the spotlight not only to its history and landscapes but also to its deep-rooted cultural heritage, a significant part of which is woven with mythical legends and stories that have been passed down through generations.
Alongside the country’s scenic beauty, rich biodiversity, and historical sites, the vibrant culture of Rwanda adds another dimension that draws both attention and admiration.
And within this culture, mythical characters that have defined traditional Rwandan folklore stand as important symbols that tell stories of morality, bravery, trickery, and wisdom.
{{Gihanga: The Founder of Rwanda}}
Gihanga is considered the legendary founder of the Kingdom of Rwanda. According to oral tradition, he is credited with introducing several foundational elements of civilization to the African Great Lakes region, including fire, cattle, metalworking, hunting, woodworking, and pottery. His story is one of grandeur, mixing leadership, spirituality, and innovation, making him an iconic figure in Rwandan folklore.
Legend has it that Gihanga was born from the union of two lineages, both with celestial connections. His paternal lineage is traced back to Kigwa, a heavenly being who descended to earth to establish the royal line in Rwanda. Gihanga’s mother, on the other hand, was believed to have descended from a more earthly lineage, connecting him to both divine and human origins.
From his father, Kazi, Gihanga learned the art of blacksmithing, which was essential for the development of Rwandan society. His life, according to oral tradition, was one of movement and learning. He lived in several places during his childhood, including the village of Mubari in the east and his maternal uncle’s village in Bugoyi, located in the northwest of Rwanda.
The reign of Gihanga is thought to have occurred in the 11th century, marking the establishment of the Kingdom of Rwanda. Though no physical evidence exists to support the historical accuracy of Gihanga’s life, many Rwandans firmly believe in his existence. His genealogy has been recorded in a book titled Inganji Kalinga, written by Monsignor Alexis Kagame, a prominent figure in Rwandan historical literature.
Gihanga’s legacy is not just about leadership but also about innovation and spirituality. He was succeeded by his son, Kanyarwanda Gahima, and his remains were believed to have been buried in Muganza, Rukoma, where his legend continues to inspire Rwandans.
{{Ngunda: The Man of Unmatched Strength and Greed}}
Ngunda is another mythical figure whose name resonates across Rwanda. Known for his immense physical strength and insatiable greed, Ngunda was a man of extremes. His legend is that of a man who tilled the land with such power and ate with such hunger that he left a lasting mark on the landscape.
The hills of Rwanda are said to be the mounds resulting from Ngunda’s tireless work. His ancestral land was located in Rubona and Musasu, but his ownership stretched as far as Nyundo in Bugoyi, a region now part of Rubavu District.
One of the most famous stories about Ngunda involves his visit to his father-in-law, Mirenge. As a gesture of goodwill, Ngunda offered to help cultivate the land. Mirenge gave him 50 hoes, thinking it would be sufficient for the task. But Ngunda’s strength was so great that he wore down all 50 hoes in a single day, leaving them unusable.
When it came time for dinner, Ngunda astonished his hosts by devouring an entire cow, several baskets of bread, and countless jars of beer, yet he was still not satisfied. His voracious appetite, like his strength, knew no limits.
Despite his remarkable contributions to cultivating Rwanda’s land, little is known about Ngunda’s origins or when he died. His legacy endures, however, in the tales of his strength and the landscapes he is said to have shaped.
{{Semuhanuka and Muhanuka: The Masters of Deception}}
Semuhanuka and his son, Muhanuka, are legendary figures in Rwanda known for their skill in deception. The father-son duo is renowned for their ability to weave elaborate lies, often competing to see who could tell the most outrageous story.
One famous tale recounts how Muhanuka, after stepping outside to relieve himself, returned to his father holding his head in pain. When asked what had happened, Muhanuka claimed he had hit his head on the sky. His father complimented the creativity of the lie but urged him to consider other options, as the exaggeration was too much.
The stories of Semuhanuka and Muhanuka serve as humorous anecdotes in Rwandan folklore, highlighting the art of storytelling and exaggeration. While their lives remain shrouded in mystery, their legendary lies are remembered to this day, offering a glimpse into the playful side of Rwandan culture.
{{Ndabaga: The Heroine Who Defied Tradition}}
Ndabaga is one of the most celebrated female figures in Rwandan folklore. Born in the early 1700s as the only child of Nyamutezi from Bwishaza, Ndabaga’s story is one of courage, resilience, and defiance of traditional gender roles.
During her time, Rwandan law required men to serve in the king’s army until they could be replaced by their sons. As Nyamutezi had no sons, his fate was to die in service to the king.
But Ndabaga, determined to save her father from such a fate, took matters into her own hands. She trained herself in the art of combat, pushing her body to its limits until she could fight as well as, if not better than, any man.
To replace her father in the army, Ndabaga had to conceal her gender, even going so far as to flatten her breasts to disguise herself as a boy. Her bravery paid off, and she eventually took her father’s place in the king’s service.
In recognition of her extraordinary courage, Ndabaga was rewarded with cattle, a gesture that sparked jealousy among the men of her village. Her story is immortalized in the Rwandan saying, “Ibintu byageze iwa Ndabaga,” symbolizing the act of seeking unexpected solution to a difficult situation.
{{Mwungeri: The Man of Integrity}}
Mwungeri, the son of Nyankaka, lived in Gisali, Kinazi, and is remembered for his integrity and honesty. However, these qualities made him the target of jealousy from those around him. His detractors refused to lend him a bull for breeding, forcing his cows to mate with a mystical bull from the underworld.
This act of jealousy backfired, as Mwungeri’s herd multiplied rapidly, bringing him prosperity. But his good fortune did not last forever. One night, a man named Gashubi sneaked into Mwungeri’s home and committed adultery with his wife.
When Gashubi stepped outside, he witnessed the mystical bull performing its task. Terrified, he screamed, and in that moment, everyone in the compound—including the cows—vanished into the earth. A pond appeared where they had stood, which remains to this day.
The story of Mwungeri gave rise to the saying “Yakanze Rutenderi,” used to caution people about causing unintended harm.
{{Sebwugugu: The Fool Who Missed Opportunities}}
Sebwugugu is a figure in Rwandan folklore who is remembered for his foolishness and impulsiveness. Constantly at odds with his wife, Sebwugugu’s reckless behavior often resulted in missed opportunities for his household, especially during times of famine.
One well-known tale recounts how Sebwugugu, after miraculously receiving peas from a rock during a biting famine, became arrogant and greedy. Instead of appreciating the slow but steady flow of peas, he struck the rock with a hot spear, hoping to force more peas to come out. His impatience, however, led to the flow stopping altogether.
Sebwugugu’s wife, on the other hand, was a brave woman. In one story, she even killed a wild beast that had devoured her husband. Recognizing her courage, the king decided to marry her.
Sebwugugu’s story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of impatience and greed, reminding Rwandans of the importance of humility and foresight.
{{Ngarama: The Slayer of Saruhara}}
Ngarama is a cunning figure in Rwandan folklore who became famous for killing Saruhara, a formidable bird that terrorized the kingdom. Saruhara was not a man, as some might mistakenly believe, but an eagle known for attacking those who brought offerings to the royal court.
Ngarama, a servant of the king, devised a clever plan to defeat the bird. He covered himself with a blood-stained skin and lay in wait. When Saruhara attacked, Ngarama struck it down with a metal-tipped club, killing it.
The rock where Saruhara was slain is known as “Urutare rwa Ngarama” (Ngarama’s Rock) and still bears this name. Ngarama was greatly rewarded for his bravery, becoming wealthy and prosperous. His story is a testament to the power of wit and bravery in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.
{{Nyiransibura: The Legend Who Birthed Lake Kivu}}
Nyiransibura is a mythical figure believed to have created Lake Kivu during the reign of King Ndahiro III Cyamatare, according to Rwanda’s oral traditions. She was the daughter of Muriro, a figure from Bunyabungo (present-day Democratic Republic of Congo), and was abducted by King Ndahiro. Upon her arrival at the king’s palace, Nyiransibura was assigned cleaning duties.
One day, while the king was in a meeting, a strange noise was heard. His advisors attributed it to witchcraft from Nyiransibura’s people, who they believed were trying to rescue her. Fearing retaliation, they chose to return her to her homeland rather than kill her.
During the journey, the envoys reached Kinyaga (modern-day Rusizi), where a rainmaker welcomed and married her. The couple settled happily in the plains. When Nyiransibura gave birth, the rupture of her placenta caused a flood that filled the plain, creating what is now Lake Kivu. Her home became an island, now known as Ijwi.
Nyiransibura’s son, Nsibura, stayed with her, tending to his father’s cattle. However, he harbored a desire to avenge his mother’s abduction by King Ndahiro.
Nyiransibura’s legend has been passed down through generations, remaining an integral part of Rwanda’s folklore.
{{Nyirarunyonga: The Miserly Woman}}
Nyirarunyonga was known for her stinginess and cruelty, despite her wealth. Her miserly nature was well-known among her sons and daughters-in-law. In one infamous incident, she gave her daughter-in-law, Murorunkwere, a single bean to cook and serve to the laborers.
When the pot was opened, the water splashed out, and Nyirarunyonga accused Murorunkwere of theft, sending her back to her family in disgrace. She was eventually replaced by her younger sister, who famously responded to Nyirarunyonga’s cruelty with a calm, unimpressed demeanor.
Nyirarunyonga’s story also includes a darker moment when she was caught having an inappropriate relationship with her grandson.
When confronted by father who caught them red handed, the boy told his father, “If you beat me this much for helping the old woman with her problem just once, how many times should I beat you for everything you do to my mother?”
This shocking revelation further tarnished her legacy, cementing her place in Rwandan folklore as a symbol of greed and moral failure.
{{Joriji Baneti: The Obedient but Odd Child}}
Joriji Baneti was an extraordinary child whose impulsive behavior perplexed and astonished many. Known for his obedience despite his odd ways, Joriji’s story is filled with humorous yet strange incidents.
He was infamous for breaking utensils, tearing his clothes, getting bitten by pigs, yanking doors off their hinges, and more. He was however obedient. One notable incident was when his mother sent him to borrow a pot to cook meat from Veronika in Gacyamo. Instead of carrying it on his head, Joriji tied a rope to the pot and dragged it along the ground, scraping it the entire way.
Another story recounts how, when his mother went to buy salt, Joriji saw her leave and immediately started causing trouble. When a hen became startled and cried out while sitting on its eggs, Joriji chased and killed it, fearing it would report him for spilling flour. Afterward, he sat on the eggs himself, pretending to be the hen!
Despite all his mischief, Joriji Baneti ended up saving his mother’s life. While hiding with her from thieves in a tree, he released a door that crushed the thieves, making them flee and abandon the money they were counting.
Joriji and his mother then came down to collect it. However, no one knows where Joriji lived, nor when he existed, making him a mysterious figure in Rwandan folklore.
These figures are widely known across Rwanda, even though their stories have been wrapped in mystery and legend for centuries.
In an announcement made public on Sunday, RGB called on leaders of faith-based organizations to enforce these safety measures in places of worship and urged worshippers to adhere to the guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus.
The guidelines include promoting awareness among congregants about the risks of the Marburg virus, setting up handwashing stations with soap and water or appropriate sanitizers, and conducting temperature checks for everyone entering churches and mosques.
Additionally, the guidelines call for the safe administration of Holy Communion to prevent transmission, advising against physical contact with individuals showing symptoms of Marburg, touching their belongings or the body of someone who has died from the virus.
Conducting farewell rituals for the deceased in churches or mosques has been prohibited. The guidelines also discourage large gatherings or funerals that could increase the risk of transmission.
According to the Ministry of Health, as of Sunday, 12 people had died from the Marburg virus out of the 49 reported cases. Twenty-nine individuals are receiving treatment, while eight others have recovered.
Marburg is a highly contagious disease that causes severe fever and can be fatal. It is caused by a virus and shares initial symptoms with other illnesses, such as malaria and typhoid.
The primary symptoms of the Marburg virus include high fever, severe headaches, muscle pain, extreme fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea.
This issuance offers investors a unique opportunity to participate in Rwanda’s first-ever green bond, adding a new asset class for enhanced portfolio diversification. The bond is open for reoffering until 17 October 2024 and will be listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange.
The green bond has undergone external verification by IBIS ESG Consulting Africa, which provided a Second Party Opinion (SPO) confirming that it meets the International Capital Market Association’s (ICMA) updated Green, Social, and Sustainability Bond Principles issued in June 2021.
Speaking at the Prime Energy Investor Day held at the Rukarara Hydropower plant in Musanze District, Mr. Tsheole emphasized the significance of this milestone for Rwanda’s capital market, particularly in offering alternative financing options. He praised Prime Energy for their pioneering role, stating, “I am proud of this milestone by Prime Energy, as it reflects our collective commitment to sustainable development.”
The transaction was supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, which worked closely with Prime Energy to structure the green bond. The IFC’s advisory support is part of a broader initiative to facilitate access to long-term local currency finance for key sectors in Rwanda.
CEO Tsheole also emphasized CMA’s role in ensuring that Rwanda’s capital markets function transparently and efficiently, while protecting investors by enforcing disclosure requirements.
‘At CMA, we ensure that our capital markets operate efficiently and transparently, and we focus on protecting the interests of investors by ensuring the issuer complies with the requirements by making all the necessary disclosures to allow investors to make informed investment decisions. We are however taking a developmental approach to regulating capital markets,’’ he said.
He further encouraged other sectors within Rwanda’s economy to explore the potential of green bonds as a means of attracting investments into renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and other climate-friendly initiatives.
Prime Energy currently operates four hydropower plants in Rwanda’s Western, Southern, and Northern Provinces, under 25-year concession agreements with the Government of Rwanda, and power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Energy Utility Corporation Limited (EUCL).
The program seeks to ensure that all children have access to nutritious meals, enabling them to focus on their studies and improve their academic performance.
Although the Rwandan government covers 90% of the school feeding costs, some families struggle to contribute the required Frw1,000 per trimester.
To address this gap, the #DusangireLunch campaign encourages individuals and communities, both within Rwanda and abroad, to support the initiative. A donation of Frw1,000 can provide meals for one child for a term, while Frw3,000 covers a full year.
Motivated by the campaign, RCA-China, mainly composed of students, organized a fundraising drive in August 2024 with the aim of supporting at least 1,000 children. In just one month, they raised funds to cover meals for 2,276 children.
Claudien Habimana Simbi, President of RCA-China, praised the generosity of the Rwandan community in China, stating, “We are committed to supporting our country’s development programs. No contribution is too small; your donation can change the life of one child and have a lasting impact on Rwanda’s sustainable development. Let us continue to be an example of boundless cooperation.”
The #DusangireLunch campaign emphasizes that everyone, regardless of their location, can help ensure no child in Rwanda goes without a meal at school due to financial hardship.
The campaign has also received support from the Rwandan community in Turkey, which contributed over Frw1 million.
#DusangireLunch campaign was launched in June 2024 by the Ministry of Education in partnership with Mobile Money Rwanda and Umwalimu SACCO.
Other contributors to the campaign include Mobile Money Rwanda, which pledged to support 10,000 students over one year with Frw30 million, and Umwalimu SACCO, which committed to providing lunch for 8,500 children over two years, worth Frw51 million.
As at September 11, the Ministry of Education had collected Frw143 million through the campaign.
Since its nationwide expansion in 2021, the school feeding program has contributed to a 4% decrease in primary school dropout rates by June 2024.
Notably, in the first nine months of 2024, more electric vehicles were imported than in any previous year, underscoring a rapid transition on Rwanda’s roads.
This surge can largely be credited to the government’s removal of import taxes on electric vehicles, part of a broader initiative to reduce air pollution and decrease dependency on fuel-based products.
These efforts have gained even more significance in the context of rising global fuel prices, driven by ongoing conflicts worldwide.
The majority of electric cars in Rwanda come from South Korean automakers such as Kia and Hyundai, which have become known for offering affordable and stylish electric vehicles.
These brands are quickly gaining traction compared to traditional market leaders like Toyota. Among the most popular models in Rwanda are the Kia K5, Kia 7, and Hyundai Sonata, with prices ranging between 12 million and 15 million Rwandan francs. Most of these cars are secondhand, typically from 2012 to 2016.
Imported as used vehicles, they usually take about two months to arrive in the country, though before recent global disruptions, delivery could take as little as one month.
Other electric car options in Rwanda include models from Chinese manufacturers such as BYD, Dongfeng, and Nissan, as well as Toyota’s RAV4 hybrids. However, electric cars from German manufacturers like VW, Mercedes, and BMW are less common due to their higher price points.
The growth in electric vehicle imports has been dramatic. In 2020, Rwanda imported only 19 fully electric cars, with no hybrid models. By 2021, this number had increased to 38 electric vehicles and 28 hybrids.
In 2022, the figures rose to 134 electric cars and 520 hybrids, followed by a jump in 2023 to 103 electric vehicles and 2,386 hybrids. By 2024, imports had climbed to 218 electric cars and 3,726 hybrids. In total, since 2020, Rwanda has imported 512 electric cars and 7,172 hybrid vehicles.
Prior to 2020, electric car imports were minimal, with fewer than 10 per year. For example, only one electric car was imported in 2018, and 10 in 2019.
{{Government incentives drive growth}}
The Rwandan government’s elimination of Value Added Tax (VAT) on electric vehicles, replacement parts, batteries, and charging equipment has been a key driver of this growth.
In 2019, the tax exemption amounted to 26.7 million Rwandan francs, rising to 101.6 million in 2020, and reaching 498.7 million by 2021.
According to the Rwanda Revenue Authority’s 2022/23 report, the government forfeited a total of 4.6 billion Rwandan francs in tax revenue due to electric vehicle imports.
Globally, electric vehicles have been in production since 2008, spurred by concerns over rising oil prices and increasing emphasis on reducing air pollution.
The summit’s opening session took place at the historic Villers-Cotterêts castle in France on October 4. A closed-door meeting of Heads of State is scheduled for Saturday, October 5.
The summit is being held under the theme, “Creating, Innovating, and Entrepreneurship in French.”
Earlier, on October 3, Foreign Ministers from Francophonie member states convened to discuss issues affecting member countries.
Topics of discussion included the ongoing war in Lebanon, which is currently engaged in conflict with Israel and security challenges in Haiti among others.
It was agreed that the next Francophonie Foreign Ministers’ meeting would be held in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2025, with Rwanda being the only nation that applied to host the event.
Several Heads of State who had initially confirmed their participation did not attend.
These included King Mohammed VI of Morocco, who was represented by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, and Tunisia’s President Kaïs Saïed, who was represented by Prime Minister Kamel Madouri.
Other included Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Congo’s President Denis Sassou Nguesso, Djibouti’s President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, Togo’s President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, Angola’s President João Lourenço, Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, and Comoros’ President Azali Assoumani, who recently survived a knife attack.
Guinea’s President Mamadi Doumbouya also did not attend, despite Guinea recently being released from sanctions previously imposed by the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).
The International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) comprises 88 member states, united by the shared goal of promoting the French language.
In West and Central Africa, floods have reached catastrophic levels, with Chad, Niger and Nigeria among the hardest hit accounting for more than 80 percent of people affected, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said.
More than 1,000 people have been killed, and at least 740,000 people have been displaced, the office said. In addition, hundreds of thousands of homes, more than 100 schools, and dozens of health facilities have been damaged. Nearly 500,000 acres of farmland has been affected.
OCHA said that without sufficient support, the floods threaten to hinder the reopening of schools, with the new school year set to begin this month. The floods could also aggravate existing food insecurity, particularly in Chad and Niger.
“The precarious living conditions of people affected by the floods also increase the risk of waterborne diseases, such as cholera, which is spreading in many regions of Niger and Nigeria,” OCHA said.
The office said humanitarian partners are mobilized and supporting the response, including food and health assistance, but efforts are limited due to financial resources.
Acting Emergency Relief Coordinator Joyce Msuya has allocated 35 million U.S. dollars from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund for flood relief in Chad, Niger, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Congo. “But more money is needed,” OCHA said.
Meanwhile, Msuya has allocated 5 million dollars from the Central Emergency Response Fund to scale up the response to floods in the states of Borno and Bauchi in the northeast and Sokoto in the northwest, Nigeria.
The new funds will help humanitarian partners reach 280,000 people in the three states with food, clean water, sanitation and shelter support, and will also help to rapidly mobilize resources to improve access to healthcare, including preventing the spread of cholera and other waterborne diseases, OCHA said.
The humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, said that the floods have created a crisis within a crisis, with millions of people already facing critical levels of food insecurity before the floods.
The ferry, coming from the town of Minova in the South Kivu province, capsized near the port of Kituku, on the outskirts of Goma, capital of the North Kivu province.
In the report addressed to the central government in Kinshasa, the provincial government also spoke of 78 people still missing. The 87 bodies recovered were transported to the morgue of the general hospital in Goma and nine other survivors were taken to hospital.
The number of passengers aboard the boat remains unknown. Local sources, however, told Xinhua a “significant overload” of the boat.
The boat failed to withstand a violent wave before it capsized about 700 m away from the port, said staff of the Kituku port.
Till late Thursday, the population still gathered at the port of Kituku with anxiety and the hope of finding the bodies of their loved ones, observed Xinhua.
The roads between Goma and Minova have been cut off for months due to hostilities between armed groups and the DRC military. Cases of boat accidents are frequent on Lake Kivu due to strong winds and overloading.
He made the disclosure on Thursday during a press briefing on the Marburg outbreak, co-hosted by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
“We expect around 5,000 doses of Remdesivir for emergency treatment of patients that are highly in need,” he said.
Rwanda confirmed its first-ever Marburg virus outbreak on September 27.
Reports show that five people have recovered, 11 have died, and 21 others are still receiving medical care.
In addition to receiving antiviral treatment, Dr. Nsanzimana highlighted ongoing discussions with several organizations to accelerate the development and distribution of a Marburg vaccine, which could be available in Rwanda in the near future.
Rwandan health authorities are working diligently to contain the spread of the virus.
Africa CDC Director General, Dr. Jean Kaseya, reassured travelers that the situation is under control.
“We are flying to Rwanda. I will be in Rwanda, attending meetings. It’s an outbreak that is managed and, as we have outbreaks in all other countries, there is no travel ban. And I repeat it: travellers should not cancel their trips to Rwanda,” Kaseya emphasized.
The Africa CDC has confirmed that it will send specialists to Rwanda next week to support the country’s efforts in managing the outbreak.
Health officials note that individuals infected with Marburg may remain asymptomatic for three to 21 days, although some cases develop symptoms sooner.
Initial symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, and fatigue, followed by gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting. As the disease progresses, the condition worsens as the body deteriorates.
To prevent infection, health experts recommend maintaining strict hygiene practices and avoiding the sharing of personal items with individuals exhibiting Marburg-like symptoms.
