Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

In a statement, the government agency responsible for promoting economic development and investment in Rwanda said the country has responded swiftly and proactively to contain the virus since the first cases were identified a week ago.

The management expressed confidence that the measures put in place were satisfactory and encouraged businesses to continue operating normally, while also urging business owners to follow the Ministry of Health’s enhanced hygiene guidelines, such as conducting temperature checks and providing hand washing or sanitizing stations at building entrances.

“These measures are essential for keeping businesses running smoothly while safeguarding the health of staff and customers,” the statement reads.

Regarding tourists, RDB stated that tourism in Rwanda remains safe, with the health and safety of visitors being a top priority.

“Visitors can travel with confidence, knowing that all necessary action is being taken to prevent the spread of Marburg,” RDB assured.

The agency noted that since Marburg is not airborne and does not spread asymptomatically, the likelihood of travel restrictions coming into effect is minimal.

“Tourists can rest assured that operators, hotels, and other service providers are following strict hygiene protocols, including temperature checks, regular handwashing, the availability of sanitizing stations, and enhanced cleanliness practices,” RDB added.

RDB also confirmed that Rwanda, which has become a hub for hosting international events, continues to host events safely, ensuring that the health and safety of attendees are the highest priority.

The agency directed event venues to implement additional hygiene measures, such as temperature checks, the provision of handwashing facilities, and encouraging minimal close contact between attendees.

“This balanced approach, which is based on scientific evidence, allows for events to continue while ensuring the safety of all participants and staff,” RDB stated.

The agency also assured investors of government interventions, saying the proactive public health measures put in place effectively balance the need for public safety with the importance of maintaining economic stability. This ensures that Rwanda remains open for investors.

“Rwanda’s evidence-based and effective response to public health challenges demonstrates why Rwanda is a reliable choice for investors,” the agency added.

Rwanda confirmed its first-ever Marburg outbreak on Friday, September 27, 2024, with 37 cases and 11 deaths reported so far.

To control the spread of the virulent disease that causes hemorrhagic fever, the government has implemented several measures, including heightened contact tracing, suspending hospital visits, banning wakes and home vigils (locally known as Ikiriyo) for Marburg-related deaths, and limiting burials for Marburg deaths to a maximum of 50 people.

Additionally, all healthcare facilities have been directed to implement a protocol for receiving and providing services to clients exhibiting symptoms of Marburg virus disease, with strict adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures.

Daniel Chapo, running for the presidency on the ruling FRELIMO party ticket, is almost certain to win, succeeding Filipe Nyusi, who is retiring after two terms. His challengers include Ossufo Momade, the leader of Mozambique’s main opposition party and former rebel movement, Renamo, as well as Lutero (MDN) and Simango Venancio Mondlane (independent).

The 47-year-old former university professor, campaigning under the slogan “Let’s get to work,” is expected to oversee the revival of two liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects currently stalled due to insecurity in northern Cabo Delgado province.

Local analysts argue that Chapo’s development goals will heavily depend on the continued military support from the Rwandan forces, first deployed by Nyusi in 2021 to assist local troops in containing the insurgency.

“The Rwandans are undeniably competent,” Tertius Jacobs, lead Mozambique analyst at risk consultancy Focus Group, told Reuters. “Mozambique … has little to no better alternative.”

Jacobs notes that Nyusi’s introduction of Chapo to Rwandan President Paul Kagame in June signals a likely continuation of Rwandan involvement.

Rwandan forces, operating in the volatile northern province, are tasked with securing the area around the Afungi site, where TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil are planning LNG projects. TotalEnergies halted its $20 billion project when the skirmishes erupted in 2021.

Robert Besseling, CEO of consultancy Pangea-Risk, emphasized that the presence of Rwandan troops will remain crucial to the next administration’s efforts to neutralize terrorist threats, which have hindered Mozambique’s ambition to become a major gas exporter.

“They have thousands of troops there to protect the LNG sites,” Besseling remarked.
Rwanda began deploying its security forces to Mozambique on July 9, 2021. Initially, the contingent included 1,000 troops from the Rwanda Defence Force and Rwanda National Police.

By late 2022, the Rwandan troop presence had increased to approximately 2,500, reflecting an expanded mandate to pursue and dislodge terrorists from their strongholds.

Since 2021, Mozambique has also received military support from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), but SADC forces began withdrawing in April 2024 as their mandate ended. This withdrawal has left Rwanda with a greater share of responsibility in assisting local forces in addressing the ongoing security crisis.

Before the intervention of Rwandan troops in 2021, the insurgency had claimed the lives of 3,000 civilians, and more than 800,000 people had been displaced. The insecurity also brought all development projects in insurgent-controlled areas to a halt.

Rwanda’s most recent troop deployment to Mozambique was in August 2024, led by Major General Emmy Ruvusha. The troops are responsible for securing several key areas and communities in Mocimboa da Praia, Chinda, Palma, Afungi, Pundanhar, Macomia, Ancuabe, and Pemba.

Mr. Butera brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in mining industry, positioning Ngali Holdings Ltd for its next phase of growth and innovation.

With over six years of leadership experience in mining, Mr. Butera has held prominent roles at LuNa Smelter Ltd – Rwanda, where he served as both the Managing Director and Deputy Managing Director among other roles. Known for his strategic vision, innovative approach, and industry expertise, Mr. Butera will spearhead Ngali Holdings Ltd’s efforts to expand its market presence.

The Chairperson and the Board of Directors of Ngali Holdings Ltd expressed their enthusiasm and confidence in Mr. Butera’s leadership and look forward to seeing the company reach new heights under his guidance.

He is set to work closely with the executive leadership team and all employees to continue driving the company’s mission to unlock economic potential and eliminate growth barriers in Africa; and deliver value to its customers, partners, and stakeholders.

Ngali Holdings is a Rwandan company investing in a wide range of industries across the continent of Africa. The company aspires to see African markets grow and specialize in long-term, wide-scale infrastructure projects with a holistic focus.

The UK High Commissioner to Rwanda, Alison Heather Thorpe, told the media in Kigali on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, that the British government stands ready to assist Rwanda in responding to the health emergency through, among other measures, the provision of protective kits and medical experts.

“We are looking at a whole variety of measures, from the provision of kits, such as personal protective equipment and testing kits, to potentially sending out some epidemiologists and medical support staff,” Thorpe stated.

She added, “We are also examining whether we have any vaccines under trial that we could develop. In fact, there’s a team from Oxford University currently in the country supporting the WHO in their efforts.”

“So we stand ready to help in whatever way we can. The government of Rwanda needs to tell us what they would most like from us, and then we can set our wheels in motion to deliver that.”

The UK’s support will complement efforts from other partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has also offered to collaborate with the Rwandan government in the fight against Marburg.

CDC, the national public health agency of the United States, announced on Monday that it is deploying experts to assist Rwanda’s investigation and response to the Marburg outbreak.

“The staff will use their experience from responding to outbreaks of Marburg virus disease and similar diseases in other countries to support epidemiology, contact tracing, laboratory testing, disease detection and control along borders, and hospital infection prevention and control,” the CDC said in a statement.

Rwanda confirmed its first-ever Marburg outbreak six days ago, with 29 cases and 10 deaths reported as of Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

To control the spread of the virulent disease that causes hemorrhagic fever, the government has implemented several measures, including suspending hospital visits, banning wakes and home vigils (locally known as Ikiriyo) for Marburg-related deaths, and limiting burials for Marburg deaths to a maximum of 50 people.

Additionally, all healthcare facilities have been directed to implement a protocol for receiving and providing services to clients exhibiting symptoms of Marburg virus disease, with strict adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures.

Currently, there are no vaccines or antiviral treatments approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) for Marburg virus disease. However, supportive care—rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids—and treatment of specific symptoms can improve survival.

According to the study, 53.7% of first-year students and 46.7% of continuing students at Makerere University have remained committed to positive values, including abstinence or faithfulness to their marital partners.

The survey also found that 37.8% of the first-year students who participated in the survey identified as virgins, slightly higher than their continuing counterparts.

“Among the interviewed first-year students, 37.8% were virgins, while 36.6% of continuing students were virgins. An equally good number of students were secondary virgins,” said Barbara Kaija, Co-Chair of the Emerging Leaders Programme, when presenting the findings on Friday, September 27, 2024, at Makerere University during the launch of the ELP initiative.

On the other hand, the study revealed that 46.3% of first-year students and 53.3% of continuing students have been making negative sexual choices, driven by peer and financial pressure.

The survey included a sample of 473 first-year students and 1,041 continuing students from various key colleges and faculties at Makerere University.

The study also revealed that at least 101 students (13.5%) believed they might have been exposed to HIV at Makerere by having sex with a student who was HIV positive.

“Twenty-seven percent of first-year students had more than five sexual partners in one year, with 11% having ten or more partners in the same period,” the report reads.

Among continuing students, 32% had more than five sexual partners in one year, and 12% had ten or more in that timeframe.

Additionally, the survey showed that 57 first-year students, representing 6.8%, are currently using drugs, while another 17 (3.6%) had used drugs in the past but reported having quit. Among continuing students, 80 (7.7%) are using drugs, and 69 (6.6%) said they had used drugs in the past but had since stopped.

The ELP programme was launched to instil character development and leadership skills in university students. The launch was attended by Uganda’s First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni.

In a set of guidelines issued on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, the ministry said the decision is aimed at minimizing close contact and curbing the spread of the disease. Visits will resume after an assessment by MINEDUC and health authorities.

Parents have been asked to use alternative means to provide their children with supplies, where necessary.

“In case a student urgently needs supplies, the parent will work with the school administration to send them through other means, including digitally where possible,” the ministry announced.

Parents have also been urged to keep a student displaying any symptoms of Marburg virus at home.

“Take the student with symptoms to a health center immediately, and do not return them to school until cleared by a medical professional,” the ministry advised.

Additionally, MINEDUC directed school administrators and teachers to monitor students and help them access medical facilities if they report symptoms such as high fever, fatigue, severe headaches, nausea, muscle aches, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Other measures include encouraging students to practice good personal hygiene, such as frequent handwashing; preventing students from sharing clothes and personal items; and communicating to students not to panic but to follow all the preventive measures.

Students are required to comply with all preventive measures to help stop the spread of Marburg virus disease.

Rwanda confirmed its first-ever Marburg outbreak six days ago, with 29 cases and 10 deaths reported as of Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

To control the spread of the virus, the government has introduced several general measures, including the suspension of hospital visits, the banning of wakes and home vigils (locally known as Ikiriyo) in cases of Marburg-related deaths, and limiting burials related to Marburg deaths to a maximum of 50 people.

Additionally, all healthcare facilities have been directed to implement a protocol for receiving and providing services to clients exhibiting symptoms of Marburg virus disease, with strict adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures.

Salvos of missiles rained down on Israel at around 19:30 local time (1630 GMT), triggering sirens and sending residents running for shelter. Loud explosions were heard in Jerusalem as Israeli air defense systems successfully intercepted some Iranian missiles, as witnessed by Xinhua correspondents.

A Palestinian man was killed by shrapnel in the occupied West Bank, Israel’s state-owned Kan TV news reported. Israeli rescue service Magen David Adom said two people in Tel Aviv sustained minor injuries. There have been no immediate reports of fatalities within Israel.

Traffic on Jaffa Road, a major street in Jerusalem, returned to normal shortly after the attacks, though a heavier-than-usual police presence remained, according to Xinhua correspondents.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Israel would retaliate against Iran’s missile attack. “Whoever attacks us — we will attack him,” Netanyahu told a Security Cabinet meeting focused on potential counter-attacks and the ground military campaign in Lebanon.

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said that if Israel retaliates by attacking Iran, it will face “crushing and destructive” attacks.

In a statement posted on social media platform X after the attack, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the “broadening of the Middle East conflict, with escalation after escalation.”

“This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire,” he wrote.

{{LONG-ANTICIPATED ATTACKS}}

This marks the second round of Iranian missiles fired at Israel. The first round in April was the first-ever direct Iranian strike on Israel, launched in retaliation for an Israeli attack on Iran’s consulate in Damascus that killed seven IRGC officers.

The previous round of Iranian missiles was intercepted with assistance from the U.S. military and other regional countries. Israel responded with airstrikes in Iran, but a broader escalation was avoided.

The latest Iranian attacks followed high-profile assassinations of anti-Israel figures who have close ties to Iran.

Iran vowed to retaliate after Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran in late July while attending the swearing-in ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

On September 27, Iranian-backed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in Israeli airstrikes. In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei vowed to avenge Nasrallah’s death.

The two rounds of attacks have resulted in no heavy damage within Israeli territory, though both sides assess their impact differently.

In a statement published on its official news outlet Sepah News, the IRGC claimed that 90 percent of the missiles fired on Tuesday successfully hit their targets, including several air and radar bases and the “conspiracy centers” involved in planning the assassinations of leaders like Haniyeh and Nasrallah.

Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said several missiles hit central and southern Israel, and “quite a few” were intercepted by air defense systems.

{{ISRAEL’S EXPANDED WARFRONT}}

After the missile attacks on Tuesday, Israel’s military vowed to “carry out attacks throughout the Middle East tonight” in retaliation.

Israel has been engaged in a yearlong war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. In the waters off Yemen’s coast, the Houthi group is attacking ships that have links with Israel.

Following frequent exchange of fire with Hezbollah on the Lebanese border since the outbreak of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in October last year, Israel has escalated its intensive airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds and other targets since September 23.

In addition to the explosions of communication devices that have injured many Hezbollah members — an act Israel has not openly claimed responsibility for — the country is considering a ground offensive following weeks of heavy bombardments in Lebanon.

The latest confrontation between Israel and Iran has raised fears of another expansion of Israel’s warfront and a broader regional war, while the United Nations and many world leaders are pushing for a ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon, as well as de-escalation in the Middle East.

However, both Israel and Iran have shown little willingness to back down.

“Iran made a big mistake tonight, and it will pay for it,” said Netanyahu during Tuesday’s Security Cabinet meeting.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said after the attacks that his country is not a warmonger but “will stand decisively against any threat.”

The convicts were identified as Clinton Damas, a soldier with the Tanzania People’s Defence Force, and Praygod Mushi, a prison officer. The other two convicts are Nickson Jackson and Amin Lema.

In addition to the life sentences, the court ordered each of the convicts to pay 1 million Tanzanian shillings ($370) to the victim.

The four were charged with gang rape and sodomy of a girl under the age of 18.

The incident occurred in May, but the video began circulating on social media in August, prompting widespread condemnation from netizens and human rights groups.

The perpetrators were arrested a few days later and charged in Dodoma, where they pleaded not guilty.

Following Monday’s sentencing, defense attorney Godfrey Wasonga stated that he was prepared to appeal if the defendants requested.

“There are several legal deficiencies in the charge sheet that the court did not consider,” he said.

The fifth suspect in the horrific incident, a senior policewoman accused of ordering the attack, is set to face trial later this month.

The motion, sponsored by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, was endorsed by 291 signatures from members of Parliament.

The proponent of the motion has levelled 10 charges against Gachagua, who has been under heavy criticism from President Ruto’s allies in recent weeks for allegedly undermining and causing divisions within the ruling administration.

The first charge against Gachagua is making statements that divide Kenyans along ethnic lines. Mutuse cites several instances where he likened the government to a company in which certain regions hold more shares than others.

“The utterances are highly inflammatory and inciteful, significantly undermining national unity and the peaceful co-existence of Kenya’s diverse communities,” the motion reads in part.

In the second charge, Gachagua is accused of undermining President Ruto and the Cabinet by making remarks that contradict Cabinet resolutions in which he participated. This includes opposing the Nairobi River Riparian Evacuation orders, which the Cabinet had approved.

The deputy president is also accused of undermining the leadership of the Nairobi County government by opposing the relocation of traders from one of the city’s markets.

Other charges include gross misconduct, bullying, and intimidating state officers. In one incident, Gachagua allegedly intimidated a contractor to divert materials meant for the construction of a public road to tarmac a private road leading to his beach resort in Kenya’s coastal region.

The Speaker of the National Assembly is expected to give direction on how the impeachment motion will be processed before it is passed to the Senate for hearing and determination.

The motion must garner the support of 233 MPs, representing two-thirds of the total 349 MPs, before being transmitted to the Senate for consideration.

Gachagua, who brought in significant votes for Ruto from Kenya’s populous Mt Kenya region in the August 2022 election, insists that he is innocent.

He has been touring the region, cautioning President Ruto against allowing the impeachment plot, saying that doing so would betray the electorate.

“Let us not reintroduce the politics of betrayal,” Gachagua stated recently. “Ruto is a beneficiary of Mt. Kenya’s disdain for betrayal. Our people hate it and are unforgiving.”

President Ruto is yet to publicly comment on the matter, though his silence is being interpreted as an endorsement of the motion.