Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

  • AfDB approves over €170 million to boost Rwanda’s universal energy access

    AfDB approves over €170 million to boost Rwanda’s universal energy access

    According to a statement released on July 17, this financing approved by the Board of AfDB on July 14, 2025, will be bolstered by an additional €86.92 million (more than Frw 143 billion) from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), bringing the total program cost to €260.76 million (over Frw 433 billion).

    This marks the AfDB’s second result-based energy sector operation in Rwanda, following a $305 million program in 2018, underscoring Rwanda’s commitment to performance-based financing to bridge its power infrastructure gaps.

    Aligned with Rwanda’s Energy Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP II 2024–2029), the RBF II program is designed to enhance quality of life, spur economic growth, and alleviate poverty through targeted energy sector investments.

    The program focuses on three key areas, namely: modernising and expanding the electricity grid, increasing access to both on-grid and off-grid electricity and clean cooking technologies, and building technical and institutional capacity.

    It aims to connect 200,000 households and 850 productive use customers to the national grid, provide 50,000 new off-grid electricity connections, distribute clean cooking devices to 100,000 households and 310 public institutions, and install street lighting across 200 km of roads in Rwanda’s secondary cities.

    As a cornerstone of the AfDB’s High-5 priority areas—“Light up and Power Africa” and “Improve the Quality of Life of the People of Africa”—the RBF II program also supports the ambitious Mission 300 Initiative, a joint effort by the AfDB and the World Bank to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.

    This initiative complements Rwanda’s remarkable strides in expanding electricity access.
    According to a recent report by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), household access to electricity significantly increased, from 34% in 2017 to 72% in 2024.

    The findings, published in the Seventh Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV7) on April 16, 2025, show that 50% of households are now connected to the national grid, while 22% rely on standalone solar systems.

    While urban areas experienced an increase in household electricity access from 76% to 88%, the growth in rural areas has been even more substantial. Access in rural areas dramatically increased from 24% in 2017 to 65% in 2024.

    Notably, electricity access has also improved for the lowest economic segment, with 53% of households in the lowest quintile now having access, compared to only 9% in 2017.

    Findings, published in the Seventh Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV7) on April 16, 2025, show that 50% of households are now connected to the national grid, while 22% rely on standalone solar systems.
  • Cameroonian president submits files for presidential election candidacy

    Cameroonian president submits files for presidential election candidacy

    The files were submitted by Jean Kuete, secretary general of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) party.

    Kuete told reporters after officially submitting the files that CPDM is “fully ready for the election any time”.

    On Sunday, Biya, 92, officially announced that he will run for the upcoming presidential election. He became president in 1982, and was re-elected president in 1984, 1988, 1992, 1997, 2004, 2011 and 2018.

    The Elecam said that Biya is among some nine political leaders who have already submitted their application files for the election.

    The deadline to submit the application is July 21, according to the country’s electoral code. Cameroon’s presidential election is scheduled for Oct. 12.

    The candidacy application files of Cameroonian President Paul Biya for the presidential election were submitted on Thursday, according to the country's electoral body, Elections Cameroon (Elecam).
  • UN appoints Guang Cong as new special envoy for the Horn of Africa

    UN appoints Guang Cong as new special envoy for the Horn of Africa

    The Secretary-General expressed deep appreciation for Tetteh’s leadership and dedicated service during her tenure. Her contributions were particularly noted in advancing peacebuilding and diplomatic engagement across the volatile Horn of Africa region.

    Guang Cong brings over 23 years of experience in United Nations peace operations, with much of his work focused on the Horn of Africa. He is currently serving as Deputy Special Representative (Political) for South Sudan and Deputy Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

    From 2016 to 2020, he served as Director of Civil Affairs in UNMISS, having earlier held leadership roles in several other UN missions. These include his tenure as Chief of Civil Affairs in the UN-African Union Hybrid Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), and earlier posts in Jonglei State, Blue Nile State, and Abyei under the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS).

    His extensive international service also includes work as Chief of Political Affairs and Chief of Staff at the United Nations Special Coordinator’s Office in Lebanon (2012–2014) and as a senior field officer with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) between 2002 and 2009.

    Before joining the UN, Mr. Cong held a diplomatic career with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China.

    He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Shanghai International Studies University and a Graduate Certificate from China Foreign Affairs University. In addition to his native Chinese, he speaks fluent English.

    Mr. Cong is expected to bring deep regional knowledge and diplomatic experience to his new role at a critical time for the Horn of Africa, a region facing complex challenges ranging from conflict and displacement to climate-driven crises.

    A file picture of Cong Guang (R), newly appointed new UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's special envoy for the Horn of Africa. /UN
  • French military ends permanent presence in Senegal

    French military ends permanent presence in Senegal

    Camp Geille, the largest French military installation in Senegal located in the capital Dakar, and the French air detachment at Dakar’s international airport were officially transferred to the Senegalese authorities at a ceremony attended by Mbaye Cisse, chief of General Staff of the Senegalese Armed Forces, and Pascal Ianni, commander of French forces in Africa.

    At the ceremony, Ianni said that the handover of Camp Geille marked the end of France’s permanent military presence in Senegal and the beginning of a new phase in bilateral military cooperation.

    For his part, Cisse said that the Senegalese government is updating its defense and security cooperation framework, with a core focus on supporting the autonomous development of Senegal’s military.

    “The future direction of Senegal-France cooperation will depend on the political will of both governments and must also show greater respect for Senegal’s sovereignty,” he added.

    French troops have been present in Senegal since the country gained independence in 1960.

    On Dec. 31, 2024, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye urged French forces to leave the country, while delivering his New Year’s address.

    In recent years, several African nations, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad and Cote d’Ivoire, have urged the withdrawal of French and U.S. troops and the handover of their military bases.

    Mbaye Cisse (R, front), chief of General Staff of the Senegalese Armed Forces, and Pascal Ianni (L, front), commander of French forces in Africa, attend the handover ceremony of Camp Geille, the largest French military installation in Senegal located in Dakar, Senegal, on July 17, 2025. France on Thursday handed over its last two military facilities in Senegal to local authorities, marking the end of its permanent military presence in the West African country. (Photo by Papa Demba Gueye/Xinhua)
  • Genetic testing and fetal surgery: One doctor’s vision for advanced prenatal care in Rwanda

    Genetic testing and fetal surgery: One doctor’s vision for advanced prenatal care in Rwanda

    Through early antenatal care and improved hospital access, Rwanda has made remarkable progress. Hospital deliveries now account for 95% of births, maternal mortality has dropped from 1,070 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 203, and newborn mortality is down to 19 per 1,000.

    Infant and under-five mortality rates are 33 and 45 per 1,000, respectively.

    By 2030, Rwanda aims to reduce maternal deaths to 126 per 100,000 births, or even 70. This progress is driven by more than 140 medical specialists nationwide, with over 200 expected in the next four years, thanks to training in teaching hospitals.

    One of the key figures in this transformation is Dr. Emmanuel Nshimiyumuremyi, an obstetrician-gynecologist and maternal-fetal medicine specialist trained in Rwanda, the UK, Vietnam, and the U.S. His field focuses on managing high-risk pregnancies and fetal conditions.

    “Some risks, such as pregnancy-induced hypertension, can now be identified as early as the third month,” Dr. Nshimiyumuremyi explained. “When caught early, we can prevent up to 90% of such cases. Out of ten at-risk women, nine can avoid complications through timely medication.”

    This condition, one of the top three causes of maternal death, can damage the mother’s kidneys or lead to brain hemorrhage, sometimes resulting in the death of both mother and child.

    {{First fetal blood transfusion in Rwanda}}

    In a groundbreaking procedure, Dr. Nshimiyumuremyi and his team at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK) recently performed Rwanda’s first fetal blood transfusion. A pregnant woman from a district hospital presented with an unusually growing belly.

    At CHUK, doctors discovered not only excess amniotic fluid but also severe fetal anemia caused by Rh incompatibility, a condition where the mother’s immune system attacks the baby’s red blood cells.

    “We began transfusions at six months and delivered at nine,” Dr. Nshimiyumuremyi said. “The baby was treated in neonatal care and survived, something people thought was only possible abroad.”

    The success was made possible by skills acquired through training, and availability of specialized tools that can support over 100 such patients.

    This milestone was also backed by AI-powered ultrasound machines that can detect fetal abnormalities in real time, devices recently introduced to CHUK.

    “We once dreamed of this technology when training abroad. Now it’s here in Rwanda, and it’s changing everything,” he said.

    Blood quality also posed a challenge. Fetal transfusions require small, high-quality blood units rich in red cells. Dr. Nshimiyumuremyi worked with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre’s blood division to increase red cell concentration from 40% to 70%, making the transfusion possible.

    {{Genetic testing and fetal surgery}}

    Looking ahead, Dr. Nshimiyumuremyi envisions the launch of a genetic testing laboratory capable of diagnosing inherited disorders like Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) before birth. Current machines can detect indicators, but the goal is to collect fetal samples and analyze them for early, accurate diagnoses.

    The project includes acquiring microarray technology, which detects cellular mutations and helps guide future pregnancies with data-driven decisions.

    Another major innovation under consideration is fetal surgery, particularly for twins sharing a placenta. Known as monochorionic twins, they risk unequal blood flow, a potentially fatal condition for one or both babies.

    “We can detect this at four months and plan to use laser technology to separate shared blood vessels,” he said. “If we succeed, Rwanda could be among the first African nations to offer this procedure.”

    The process involves using a camera and laser through a small incision to separate the connecting vessels without harming the babies or the mother, a method successfully practiced in countries like Vietnam.

    {{Remaining challenges and hope ahead}}

    Despite remarkable progress, Dr. Nshimiyumuremyi observes that challenges remain. Rwanda needs more specialists in maternal-fetal medicine (CHUK currently has just one, but needs at least five), and the public still lacks awareness of high-risk pregnancy conditions.

    Other risks include pregnancy-induced hypertension, postpartum bleeding, and surgical infections.
    But the momentum is clear. Rwanda is no longer simply managing pregnancies, it is diagnosing, treating, and protecting life before it even begins.

    Dr. Nshimiyumuremyi and his team at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK) recently performed Rwanda’s first fetal blood transfusion.
  • UAE, WHO conclude first phase of multi-stage joint project to assess, improve health, nutrition status in Socotra

    UAE, WHO conclude first phase of multi-stage joint project to assess, improve health, nutrition status in Socotra

    The multi-phase operation, which began in late May, will comprise four scheduled field visits over the course of one year by joint teams from both entities.

    The assessment is the initial phase of a comprehensive programme in Socotra, aiming over the next two to five years to reduce mortality related to poor health and malnutrition by 20 percent through an integrated approach to strengthen the health system. The baseline assessment covered 38 enumeration areas (villages) across 29 sub-districts of Socotra.

    As per preliminary results, 93 percent of targeted health facilities were surveyed. Data were collected from 4,214 households as part of the household listing process. Field teams conducted over 930 caregiver interviews, and took anthropometric measurement from eligible children and mothers, exceeding the initial target, and facilitated 12 focus group discussions with diverse community groups.

    All 15 planned key informant interviews with relevant and multi-sectoral stakeholders including local and national authorities, donor and UN agencies were completed.

    The teams also conducted 546 client exit interviews to gather beneficiary feedback on the services provided, exceeding the initial target.

    The baseline assessment will now move into the data cleaning, verification and analysis phase, paving the way for a final report that will reveal the current status of the maternal and child health and nutrition status of the community and the readiness and performance of the health facilities, including for health emergencies preparedness and response to guide evidence-based planning for the next phases of intervention, helping ensure that response activities align with identified community needs and health facilities priorities.

    Upcoming stages of the joint project implementation include the procurement and distribution of medical and non-medical supplies, recruitment and deployment of technical experts and service providers, technical training programmes and community awareness campaigns. Activities will be implemented in coordination with WHO, the Ministry of Public Health and Population and other partners, ensuring alignment with national health strategies.

    The efforts reflect the UAE’s data-driven humanitarian approach, implemented in partnership with leading international health organisations to create sustainable impact and improve public health indicators among vulnerable populations.

    Field teams from the UAE and the World Health Organisation (WHO), in close coordination with Yemen’s Ministry of Public Health and Population (MoPHP), have completed the first phase of a comprehensive baseline assessment on Socotra Island in Yemen.
  • Mövenpick Kigali Hotel begins hiring ahead of September opening

    Mövenpick Kigali Hotel begins hiring ahead of September opening

    The hotel’s General Manager, Médiatrice Umulisa, said the recruitment exercise aims to identify young professionals who will deliver high-quality service and contribute to the hotel’s success.

    “We want to give young people an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a real impact in the hospitality industry,” she said. Umulisa added that the selected candidates from the 140 participants will receive training before officially starting work.

    Melissa Uwimpuhwe, one of the participating students, described the opportunity as a major step for aspiring professionals in the sector.

    “This five-star hotel brings real opportunities for students like us. If selected, it will be a chance to gain experience and contribute to Rwanda’s tourism and hospitality industry,” she said.

    The Minister of Public Service and Labour, Christine Nkulikiyinka, praised the hospitality sector for its role in job creation and economic development, encouraging the private sector to invest in young talent.

    “The hospitality and tourism sector plays a vital role in national development and youth employment. We encourage young people to take advantage of these opportunities and demonstrate professionalism,” she said.

    The revamped Mövenpick Kigali now features 124 rooms, including premium suites, up from the previous 100. The hotel, previously rated three stars, has now achieved five-star status and will open with an estimated 160 staff members.

    The selected candidates from the 140 participants will receive training before officially starting work.
    Students described the opportunity as a major step for aspiring professionals in the sector.
    The hotel held its first selection event on July 16, attracting students from seven hospitality and tourism universities, as well as former employees of Hotel Umubano.
    The hotel's General Manager, Médiatrice Umulisa, said the recruitment exercise aims to identify young professionals who will deliver high-quality service and contribute to the hotel's success.
    The Minister of Public Service and Labour, Christine Nkulikiyinka, praised the hospitality sector for its role in job creation and economic development, encouraging the private sector to invest in young talent.
  • Cameroonian minister warns against disorder ahead of presidential election

    Cameroonian minister warns against disorder ahead of presidential election

    “We are vigilant and will not tolerate any act to destabilize the elections,” Nji told reporters at the start of the first bi-annual conference of regional governors 2025, which brought together governors of the 10 regions of the country to deliberate on how to best organize presidential election scheduled for Oct. 12.

    “As the primary authorities in charge of law and order at the local level, you are expected to use your expertise and experience to take necessary measures before, during and after this presidential election to ensure that it runs smoothly, and more importantly, to make the population feel the State’s presence, and support all parties involved in the electoral process,” Nji told the governors.

    The minister expressed concerns that local media were fueling political disorder in the build up to the election. “Programs and debates are organized just to sabotage government actions, vilify members of government, preach tribal hatred, promote terrorism and other irresponsible slogans,” he said, adding that the government was working on “mechanisms” to check excesses in the media.

    Officials said that additional security measures will be taken to maintain peace and order before, during and after the election.

  • Exploring the potential research implications of BPC-157 and TB-500 peptide blend

    Exploring the potential research implications of BPC-157 and TB-500 peptide blend

    While each peptide has distinct characteristics, this particular combination may present intriguing possibilities when exposed to research models during investigations of regeneration, structural adaptation, and cellular communication. This article examines the potential roles of the BPC-157 and TB-500 peptide blend, highlighting its implications for molecular pathways, tissue organization, and broader implications in experimental research.

    {{Structural and Functional Overview}}

    {{● BPC-157: A Pentadecapeptide with Hypothetical Regenerative Properties}}

    BPC-157 is a synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from an endogenously occurring gastric protein fragment. Investigations suggest that this peptide may interact with cellular pathways involved in tissue integrity and repair mechanisms. Due to its association with vascular structures, extracellular matrix components, and growth-related signaling, research suggests that BPC-157 may be relevant in studies addressing angiogenesis, cell migration, and wound dynamics.

    It has been hypothesized that BPC-157 may interact with nitric oxide pathways and cellular adhesion molecules, aspects that may be further explored in regenerative biology. Additionally, research suggests that observing its presence in research models may contribute to the study of neuromodulation, neurotransmitter balance, and neuroplasticity.

    {{● TB-500: A Synthetic Analog of Thymosin Beta-4}}

    TB-500 is a peptide modeled after Thymosin beta-4, an endogenously occurring protein involved in cellular movement and structural organization. It has been theorized that TB-500 might contribute to cytoskeletal regulation, particularly through interactions with actin polymerization. This property may be relevant in research exploring cellular motility, tissue remodeling, and dynamic structural adaptation within a research model.

    Studies suggest that TB-500 may interact with myosin and actin filament organization, which may be further examined in cellular repair mechanisms and tissue connectivity. Additionally, its possible role in cellular migration and matrix composition warrants deeper investigation in fields such as musculoskeletal research and experimental tissue engineering.

    {{Hypothetical Synergistic Properties}}

    The combination of BPC-157 and TB-500 has been theorized to exhibit complementary properties that may be relevant in experimental models of cellular and tissue response. Studies suggest that while BPC-157 might support vascular development and extracellular matrix stabilization, TB-500 may facilitate cellular migration and cytoskeletal organization.

    Investigations purport that their combined presence may be explored in studies focusing on tissue regeneration, structural adaptation, and cellular remodeling.

    {{Potential Research Domains}}

    {{● Tissue and Regenerative Research}}

    One area in which the BPC-157 and TB-500 peptide blend may hold research significance is in tissue engineering. Studies suggest that the peptides may be involved in cellular adhesion, proliferation, and matrix remodeling, all of which are critical factors in regenerative research.

    Research into synthetic scaffolds, biomaterials, and engineered tissue constructs might explore the peptide blend’s potential to interact with complex biological environments. Additionally, it has been theorized that their molecular interactions may contribute to investigations into bioactive materials, hydrogel-based matrices, and extracellular polymer networks that simulate biological conditions.

    {{● Angiogenesis and Vascular Studies}}

    It has been hypothesized that BPC-157 and TB-500 may interact with vascular pathways, potentially supporting the behavior of endothelial cells and microvascular formation. Investigations purport that their presence may be examined in studies related to capillary networks, tissue perfusion, and vascular adaptation in experimental settings. Further experiments conducted involving research models might explore how the peptide blend supports cellular junctions, vascular remodeling dynamics, and interactions with angiogenic factors.

    {{● Cellular Migration and Cytoskeletal Dynamics}}

    Research suggests that TB-500 may be involved in regulating actin filaments, a fundamental aspect of cellular movement. The peptide blend might be investigated in studies focusing on cytoskeletal remodeling, cellular motility, and dynamic tissue interactions.

    Investigations purport that their interplay within structural frameworks may provide insight into how cellular remodeling affects regenerative implications. Additionally, experimental inquiries may explore their implications on cellular adhesion proteins, integrin interactions, and the regulation of cytoskeletal tension.

    {{● Neurological and Musculoskeletal Research}}

    While speculative, the peptides may be explored in studies related to neuronal plasticity and musculoskeletal adaptation. Research suggests that their properties may be relevant in experimental models examining cellular communication, synaptic modulation, and structural integrity within neural and musculoskeletal frameworks.

    It has been hypothesized that their interactions with neurovascular structures might warrant a deeper inquiry into synaptic organization, neurotransmitter balance, and neural matrix remodeling.

    Within musculoskeletal research, investigations purport that the peptide blend might contribute to studies addressing connective tissue modulation, cellular signal transduction, and muscle fiber differentiation.

    {{● Experimental Inquiries into Cellular Stress Responses}}

    Further speculative research might explore how the peptide blend interacts with cellular mechanisms underlying stress adaptation. Investigations suggest that the peptides may be examined in studies assessing oxidative balance, enzymatic modulation, and protein folding dynamics within research models.

    {{Conclusion}}

    The speculative nature of peptide research continues to evolve, with increasing interest in molecules that might contribute to regenerative and adaptive processes within an organism. The BPC-157 and TB-500 peptide blend has been hypothesized to exhibit properties relevant to tissue engineering, cellular migration, and structural adaptation, providing a foundation for experimental investigations.

    As studies continue to uncover deeper insights, further explorations will be essential in broadening the understanding of peptide-based scientific implications. [Click here->https://www.corepeptides.com/comparing-tb-500-and-bpc-157-studies-in-tissue-damage/] to read another study about this blend.

    {{References}}

    [i] Bakrač, Ž., & Šikić, P. (2019). Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 enhances the growth hormone receptor expression in tendon fibroblasts. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 14(1), 1–10. [https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-019-1242-6->https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-019-1242-6]

    [ii] Goldstein, A. L., & Hannappel, E. (2009). Thymosin beta 4: A multi-functional regenerative peptide. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1194(1), 1–10. [https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.03867.x->https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.03867.x]

    [iii] Sorg, H., Tilkorn, D. J., Hager, S., Hauser, J., & Mirastschijski, U. (2017). Animal models of wound healing: A systematic review. Wound Repair and Regeneration, 25(4), 591–599. [https://doi.org/10.1111/wrr.12567->https://doi.org/10.1111/wrr.12567]

    [iv] Chopp, M., & Zhang, Z. G. (2015). Thymosin beta 4 as a restorative/regenerative therapy for neurological injury and neurodegenerative diseases. Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy, 15(Suppl 1), S9–S12. [https://doi.org/10.1517/14712598.2015.1051528->https://doi.org/10.1517/14712598.2015.1051528]

    [v] Sikiric, P., et al. (2010). Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157: A novel therapy in gastrointestinal tract. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 17(16), 1612–1632. [https://doi.org/10.2174/138161211796150252->https://doi.org/10.2174/138161211796150252]

  • Ukrainian president nominates former PM as new defense minister

    Ukrainian president nominates former PM as new defense minister

    “Today, I have already signed documents to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine regarding Denys Shmyhal as the new defense minister,” Zelensky said in a post on Telegram.

    Zelensky also announced that Herman Smetanin, minister of strategic industries, will head the country’s state defense conglomerate Ukroboronprom.

    Shmyhal said on Tuesday he had submitted a resignation letter, as part of the country’s governmental reshuffle. Earlier in the day, the parliament approved Shmyhal’s resignation, which triggered the resignation of the entire government in accordance with Ukrainian law.

    The outgoing cabinet will continue to exercise its duties until a new government is formed.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday proposed to the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian parliament, to appoint former Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal as the country's new defense minister.