Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

PHOTOS: President Kagame in Ghana for President Mahama’s inauguration

The Head of State arrived in Accra on Tuesday morning and was warmly received by the local military and traditional dancers before proceeding to Black Stars Square in the Ghanaian capital, where the ceremony took place.

Mahama, a former president and opposition figure, won December’s presidential election with 56.55% of the vote. The 66-year-old made a comeback to the presidency after serving as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2016.

Mahama’s main rival, Vice President and ruling-party presidential candidate Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat in both the presidential and legislative elections to ease tensions.

Rwanda and Ghana maintain robust bilateral relations, characterized by active diplomatic engagement and cooperation across various sectors.

Rwanda-Ghana cooperation dates back several decades. In 1994, the Ghanaian contingent under the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) was among the few that remained in Rwanda to protect civilians targeted during the Genocide against the Tutsi, despite UN orders to evacuate.

Since then, Rwanda and Ghana have strengthened their relations and cooperated on multiple fronts, with the establishment of Rwanda’s resident High Commission in the West African country in 2020 playing a pivotal role.

Currently, Rwanda and Ghana have signed a General Cooperation Agreement (GCA), a Bilateral Air Service Agreement, an Agreement for the establishment of a Joint Permanent Commission, and Memoranda of Understanding in various sectors, including Defense and Security Cooperation, private sector collaboration, tourism, arts and culture, financial sector cooperation, and trade and economic cooperation.

These cooperation instruments continue to be pursued in other sectors to facilitate collaboration between the public, private, and civil society.

To further strengthen relations, Ghana appointed its first resident High Commissioner to Rwanda last year, establishing a resident High Commission to elevate bilateral ties to a higher level.

January 7, 2025
France reports first case of new Mpox strain

France’s health ministry said the patient, a woman from the Brittany region, had not travelled to Central Africa but had contact with two individuals who had recently returned from the area.

“Inquiries are underway to find the origin of the infection and identify all people in contact,” the ministry stated.

Mpox is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected animals, with human-to-human transmission occurring through close physical contact. Symptoms include fever, muscular aches, and large boil-like skin lesions. While many cases are mild, the disease can be deadly.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency over mpox in August 2024, renewing the alert on November 22 following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The clade 1b variant has been reported across 80 countries, including 19 in Africa. European nations have been advised to prepare for rapid action to contain the latest variant.

In response to the new variant, France’s health ministry has implemented recommended oversight measures to monitor and control the spread of the virus.

The WHO continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and preparedness to prevent further spread of the virus.

January 7, 2025
Russia accused of fueling Sudan war as Moscow blasts U.S. for hypocrisy

The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, involves the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), both of which are battling for control amid a power struggle. The war has triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and widespread hunger.

At a United Nations meeting, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield directly accused Russia of playing both sides in the conflict to advance its geopolitical goals.

“Russia chose obstruction: standing alone as it voted to imperil civilians while funding both sides of the conflict – yes, that’s what I said: both sides,” she told the UN Security Council.

The comments marked a significant escalation from the U.S.’s earlier position, which suggested that Moscow was manipulating the situation to further its own interests.

Thomas-Greenfield’s comments followed Russia’s veto in November of a UN Security Council resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

The other 14 members of the council voted in favour of the resolution, highlighting Russia’s isolation on the issue.

When asked for more details, a U.S. spokesperson elaborated, claiming that Russia’s involvement in Sudan’s gold trade played a key role in funding the warring factions.

“We believe Sudanese authorities’ gold mining cooperation with sanctioned Russian entities and individuals could prove inimical to Sudan’s long-term interests and the aspirations of the Sudanese people for an end to the war,” the spokesperson said.

Washington condemned any form of material support to the fighters, whether through illicit trade or military assistance.

In response, Russia’s Deputy Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy rejected the U.S. claims, accusing America of hypocrisy.

“It’s obvious that in the Pax Americana which our American colleagues try to preserve at any price, relations with other countries are built only on their exploitation and criminal schemes aimed at U.S. enrichment,” Polyanskiy said.

Russia’s UN Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, had earlier dismissed similar accusations in December, labelling them “fabrications” and accusing Western nations of distorting the truth for political gain.

As the meeting concluded, Thomas-Greenfield, who is nearing the end of her tenure, expressed her emotional disappointment over the lack of meaningful action in Sudan.

“For all the disappointment that I couldn’t do more, that we – all of us – didn’t do more – I still remain hopeful,” she said, adding that she was hopeful future UN representatives would continue their efforts to resolve the crisis.

January 7, 2025
U.S. Congress certifies Trump’s election victory

Amid a winter storm and with towering black fences encircling the U.S. Capitol complex, the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate convened in a joint session around noon to certify President-elect Donald Trump’s election, marking the final step in confirming the results of the 2024 presidential election.

The session of U.S. Congress was chaired by the current Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate who lost to Trump in the election.

Harris presented the electoral vote results from each state and the District of Columbia, and two Senators and two House representatives took turns to announce the vote counts.

The final tally of electoral votes showed that Trump received 312 electoral votes, surpassing the 270 needed to win the presidency, while Harris received 226 votes.

The congressional counting and certifying of electoral votes is typically a ceremonial procedure. However, the “Capitol riot” four years ago occurred on the very day of this process.

After losing his bid for re-election in 2020, Trump claimed there had been widespread election fraud.

On January 6, 2021, a large group of his supporters stormed the Capitol in an attempt to prevent Congress from certifying the election results.

The riot resulted in five deaths and hundreds of police officers being injured. The latest data shows that over 1,500 individuals have been charged with federal criminal offenses related to the unrest.

Many Americans have expressed their concerns about post-election violence. According to a POLITICO-Morning Consult poll, six in ten voters said they were either very or somewhat concerned that “another event like what happened on Jan. 6 will happen again following the 2024 presidential election.”

President-elect Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the nation’s 47th president on January 20, officially beginning his second, nonconsecutive term.

January 7, 2025
Rwanda’s industrial output soars by 14.7%

The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) revealed that the surge in industrial output was driven by strong performance across key sectors.

Mining and quarrying led the way with an impressive 45.2% increase, reflecting heightened activity in resource extraction.

Manufacturing also experienced substantial growth, expanding by 18.4%. This was supported by a notable 26.3% rise in food processing and a 16.6% increase in the production of beverages and tobacco. However, the manufacturing of textiles, clothing, and leather goods saw a significant decline of 39.5%.

Electricity production and supply registered a 9.6% increase, underscoring steady progress in the energy sector. Additionally, water and waste management activities grew by 12.8%, reflecting improvements in utility services and environmental management.

The November growth far exceeded the annual average growth of 8.6%, demonstrating a particularly strong performance for Rwanda’s industrial sector.

The IIP serves as a vital tool for monitoring short-term industrial performance, measuring changes in production volumes relative to the 2017 base year.

While the index excludes construction activities due to data constraints, it offers a comprehensive overview of manufacturing, mining, electricity, and utilities.

“The Index of Industrial Production serves as a tool to measure the industrial production performance of industries and provides timely estimates of broad trends,” NISR stated, emphasizing the role of IIP in tracking economic health and progress.

January 6, 2025
Uganda Law Council grants Karua license to represent Besigye

The Uganda Law Society confirmed the new development on Monday, January 6, 2025, following a previously unsuccessful attempt by Karua to secure the crucial document in December last year.

The decision by the council came after an appeal lodged through the Uganda Law Society.

“FINALLY: The Law Council has granted a temporary Practicing Certificate to Hon. Martha Karua, following her reapplication through the Uganda Law Society,” the society said in a post on X.

The Uganda Law Council had initially declined Karua’s application to represent Besigye and his close associate Obeid Lutale at the General Court Martial, citing incomplete documentation and questioning the necessity of Karua’s involvement in the trial.

Both the Uganda Law Society and the Law Society of Kenya strongly protested the Uganda Law Council’s decision to deny Karua the document.

In a statement issued on December 10, 2024, Kenya’s premier bar association described the decision as a setback for regional cooperation in legal practice.

“It is inconceivable that the Law Council of Uganda would hold such little regard for Kenyan practitioners, especially a reputable and long-standing member of the Senior Counsel Bar,” LSK stated.

In its response, LSK expressed its intention to take immediate action to resolve the situation. The society called for urgent engagement with the Kenyan Attorney General to address the issue and ensure a fair, reciprocal agreement on cross-border legal practice.

LSK also threatened to suspend the admission of Ugandan lawyers to Kenya until Uganda demonstrates a commitment to fostering mutual legal cooperation.

“Kenya has been a leader in promoting regional cooperation in legal practice, but the lack of reciprocity from Uganda is unacceptable,” the LSK statement read.

“We must either find a mutually beneficial, reciprocal arrangement or withdraw from one-sided agreements that undermine the dignity of Kenyan legal practice.”

Karua, a former Justice Minister in Kenya and one of the senior lawyers in the country, had been appointed to lead a team of 50 lawyers in the case where Besigye and Lutale, face charges related to alleged activities undermining Uganda’s security and the illegal possession of firearms.

The two were apprehended in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 16, 2024, while attending the launch of a book by Karua. They spent Christmas and New Year festivities in custody and are expected to be arraigned in court tomorrow, January 7, 2025, for the mention of their case.

January 6, 2025
WHO appeals for increased Mpox funding to cover 85% deficit in Uganda

The Mpox outbreak, which began on July 24, 2024, has affected 52 districts, with over 784 confirmed cases and significant disruptions to public health infrastructure.

WHO and Uganda’s Ministry of Health have made significant strides in containment and response efforts, including deploying 5,000 health workers, setting up 25 isolation units, and mobilizing surveillance and risk communication strategies nationwide.

Despite the advances, the funding shortfall threatens to derail critical interventions such as infection prevention, case management, and community awareness initiatives.

With $11 million still needed from the total $12.9 million response budget, WHO has called on global partners to step up their contributions.

Current support has primarily come from nations like the United States, Germany, Canada, and others, alongside the WHO Foundation.

“More funds are needed to bridge the 85% funding gap given the high utilization rate of available funds and needs on the ground,” WHO Representative Dr. Charles Njuguna emphasized.

“WHO calls all partners to urgently support the Government of Uganda through increasing their financial contributions towards the Mpox response,” he added.

The WHO stressed that immediate action is essential to prevent the outbreak from further escalating and ensure a sustained, robust response.

Additional funding will expand health worker training, establish permanent isolation spaces, and enhance mental health services.

The Mpox outbreak in Uganda originated in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where an outbreak has been ongoing since January 2023. To date, the DRC has reported over 22,000 suspected Mpox cases and more than 1,200 suspected deaths.

January 6, 2025
Rwanda achieves over 80% reduction in maternal mortality

According to the latest Statistical Year Book 2024 published by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), maternal mortality, which stood at 1,071 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000, has now fallen to 203 per 100,000.

The sharp decline reflects the effectiveness of the government’s targeted healthcare policies and the country’s robust approach to maternal health.

Several key factors have driven this reduction. One major contributor is the increase in antenatal care coverage, with nearly 98% of mothers in Rwanda receiving at least one antenatal visit by 2023. The improvement in early detection and intervention has played a crucial role in reducing maternal deaths.

Skilled birth attendance has also been central to this progress, with 94% of births now attended by skilled health professionals, ensuring safer deliveries.

Additionally, improved access to emergency obstetric care has helped reduce maternal mortality. The rise in Caesarean sections and enhanced surgical capacity have ensured better outcomes for mothers facing complications during childbirth.

The gains in maternal health are part of a broader trend of improving child health. Both infant and under-five mortality rates have seen substantial reductions. Infant mortality has dropped from 107 per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 33 in 2023, while under-five mortality has decreased from 196 to 45 per 1,000.

Key interventions have contributed to these reductions. High vaccination rates have played a pivotal role, with over 96% of children immunized by 2023, helping to combat preventable diseases.

Furthermore, community health worker programs continue to be vital in screening for malnutrition and providing timely interventions for children under five.

The report also highlights progress in addressing stunting and malnutrition. The prevalence of stunting decreased from 51% in 2005 to 33% in 2023. Severe malnutrition cases have also seen a dramatic decline, with 97% of children now classified as having normal nutritional status in recent screenings.

Key contributors to this success include growth monitoring programs, with over 1.5 million screenings conducted in 2023, as well as improved nutritional outcomes due to enhanced hospitalization and outpatient treatments for malnutrition.

Rwanda’s healthcare success is also attributed to comprehensive health policies. Health insurance coverage reached an impressive 97.3% in 2023, ensuring that families from all backgrounds can access care.

The Community Health Worker (CHW) program has been instrumental in providing decentralized healthcare, enabling millions of children to receive vital screenings and interventions. Moreover, investments in infrastructure have expanded access to both essential and emergency care, particularly in district hospitals and health centers.

Additionally, focused efforts on maternal and child nutrition, including supplementation programs and education, have significantly contributed to improving overall health outcomes.

January 6, 2025
Blinken admits U.S. sent arms to Ukraine ahead of conflict

“We saw it coming,” Blinken said in an interview with The New York Times, noting the United States made sure that “Ukraine was prepared” by sending it billions of dollars and weapons since September 2021.

“What we’ve had to look at each and every time is not only should we give this to the Ukrainians but do they know how to use it? Can they maintain it?” he added.

When asked whether it is time to end the conflict, Blinken said a cease-fire would likely give Russia a break, and that any cease-fire must ensure Ukraine can “deter further aggression,” which, he noted, could be achieved through NATO membership.

“Russia has been talking about this for many years,” said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova on Saturday in response to Blinken’s remarks, noting that they underscored “the rationale behind Russia’s objective on the demilitarization of Ukraine.”

“We voiced concerns over the United States and Britain pouring arms into Ukraine, the endless NATO exercises in the Black Sea that violate Russian borders, and the dangerous proximity of Western military aircraft to civilian airliners in our airspace,” she added.

The Kremlin has repeatedly criticized Western arms shipments to Ukraine, claiming they escalate the conflict, obstruct peace efforts, and drag NATO members into direct involvement.

According to the U.S. Department of State, as of Monday, the United States has provided Ukraine with 61.4 billion U.S. dollars in military assistance since the conflict. And it has “approved” its NATO allies to deliver 12,000 anti-armor systems of all types, over 1,550 anti-air missiles, radars, night vision devices, machine guns rifles and ammunition, and body armor, to Ukraine.

January 5, 2025
Guatemala, El Salvador join Kenya-led security mission in Haiti

The Haitian National Police confirmed the arrival of 75 Guatemalan soldiers and eight Salvadoran troops in a statement on Friday, December 3, 2024.

The forces are joining the ongoing efforts to restore law and order in Haiti, where gang violence has ravaged the country for years.

A second contingent of 75 Guatemalan soldiers is also expected to arrive soon, further strengthening the deployment and supporting the Haitian National Police’s efforts to tackle the criminal gangs wreaking havoc across the nation.

The MSS mission, authorized by the United Nations Security Council in October 2023, has been tasked with assisting the Haitian government in re-establishing security amidst growing unrest and gang-related violence.

Kenya, leading the mission, initially deployed 400 police officers to Haiti in June 2024.

The UN extended the mission’s mandate until October 2025 in a unanimous decision made in September 2024, amid warnings from experts and the Haitian government about the dire situation.

In a recent investigative report, the UN offices in Haiti documented a massacre in Port-au-Prince by the Wharf Jérémie gang, with at least 207 executions recorded between December 6 and 11, 2024.

With over 5,350 people killed in 2024 alone and 17,000 dead or injured since the gang’s rise in 2022, the UN highlighted the urgent need for international intervention.

Recent reports indicate that more than 700,000 people have been forced to flee their homes due to gang violence and insecurity. The number has been steadily increasing, with a significant rise between 2022 and 2023.

It is estimated that 2.7 million Haitians, including 1.6 million women and children, live in areas under gang control. The residents face daily threats of violence, extortion, and restrictions on their movement.

January 5, 2025