The report suggested that the majority of the 82.2 million people live in the IGAD region, with 54.7 million in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Ethiopia.
“Conflict remains the dominant driver of East Africa’s food crisis, with about 39 million people across the IGAD region facing high levels of acute food insecurity. Conflict has resulted in critical destruction of infrastructure and main sources of food and income, aggravating the already dire food security conditions,” the agencies said.
Food insecurity in the area is also worsened by climate shocks and hazards.
The institutions found that extreme weather and climate change like floods and droughts, which are now more severe and frequent, have become major drivers of food insecurity.
The IGAD member states, namely Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda, are home to over 29 million displaced individuals, mostly in Sudan, as a result of both conflict and climate-related risks, the report noted.
The food security situation may deteriorate as the region is expected to experience below-average rainfall during the October-December season.
According to the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Center, La Nina, associated with drought conditions in the eastern Horn of Africa, will likely emerge in late 2024 and persist through early 2025.
According to Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) statement, Admiral Mangrasse commended the progress made over the past years since Rwanda Security Forces deployed to fight terrorists.
He appreciated the strong partnership between Rwandan Security Forces and Mozambican Forces which brought peace and stability and enabled thousands of displaced persons to return to their homes in Cabo Delgado Province.
Both sides discussed the progress registered so far in the joint effort to uproot terrorists from their strongholds and hideouts in the last three years since the first deployment of Rwanda Security Forces in Cabo Delgado Province in July 2021.
Before the intervention of Rwandan troops , terrorists had claimed the lives of 3,000 civilians, and more than 800,000 people had been displaced. The insecurity had also brought all development projects in the insurgent-controlled areas to a standstill.
Over the past three years, the Rwandan security forces, in collaboration with Mozambique’s armed forces, have made significant strides in dismantling the Al Sunna Wa Jama (ASWJ) terrorist group from their strongholds in Mocimboa da Praia and Palma. This has allowed a substantial number of internally displaced people to safely return to their villages.
Rwanda and Mozambique have enjoyed vibrant relations for many years, with cooperation agreements spanning various sectors, including security, trade, and investment.
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed the organization’s commitment to supporting Rwanda via his X account, stating, “Rwanda’s Ministry of Health has reported cases of Marburg. WHO is scaling up its support and will work with the government of Rwanda to stop the spread of the virus and protect people at risk.”
On Friday, September 27, 2024, the Ministry of Health confirmed cases of MVD and announced heightened measures to prevent further transmission of the virus.
In a statement, the ministry reported that the disease, which causes severe haemorrhagic fever, has been confirmed in “a few patients in health facilities across the country,” and that investigations are underway to identify the source of the infection.
The ministry has urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, vomiting, muscle pain, and stomach aches to contact the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) via its toll-free number 114 or visit the nearest health facility.
Marburg virus disease, part of the same viral family as Ebola, causes severe haemorrhagic fever, leading to multiple organ failure and, in many cases, excessive bleeding. The virus can affect both humans and nonhuman primates and is zoonotic, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans.
According to WHO, initial human infection with the Marburg virus typically occurs after prolonged exposure to mines or caves inhabited by colonies of Rousettus bats, which are natural carriers of the virus.
Once a person is infected, the virus can spread through human-to-human transmission via direct contact with blood, secretions, or other bodily fluids from an infected person, as well as through contact with contaminated surfaces and materials, such as bedding and clothing.
The virus was first identified in 1967 in the German city of Marburg, during an outbreak linked to laboratory work involving African green monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) imported from Uganda.
Since then, outbreaks and sporadic cases have been reported in countries including Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Uganda.
Reliable sources have confirmed to IGIHE that Kayumba traveled to Kinshasa this September and met with leaders of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).
This follows Tshisekedi’s earlier public statement that he was willing to collaborate with anyone committed to overthrowing Rwanda’s government.
Kayumba Nyamwasa, founder of the Rwanda National Congress (RNC), played a major role in creating the P5 coalition, a group of terrorist organizations with the shared goal of threatening Rwanda’s security.
This coalition initially included groups such as Amahoro PC, Kayumba’s RNC, Victoire Ingabire’s FDU-Inkingi, a faction of PS-Imberakuri led by Bernard Ntaganda, and PDP-Imanzi. However, internal divisions soon surfaced, weakening the coalition’s impact.
The RUD-Urunana terrorist group, responsible for a deadly attack in Musanze in 2019 that claimed 14 civilian lives, was also part of this coalition.
Kayumba’s long-standing connections with Theoneste Misago, an FDLR operative in Southern Africa, and Alphonse Munyarugendo, based in Mozambique, remain strong. These ties have been further bolstered by support from Etienne Mutabazi, a former spokesperson for the RNC who served in Habyarimana’s army.
Mutabazi, who held a key role in the RNC’s Legal and Ethical Conduct Commission, publicly stated in 2022 that the FDLR poses no threat to Rwanda.
Despite this claim, sources reveal that Kayumba continues to maintain contact with Maj. Gaston Iyamuremye, alias Victor Byiringiro, the current leader of the FDLR.
Under Kayumba’s latest plan, Misago coordinates FDLR activities, recruits new members for the terrorist group, and raises funds for their operations.
Alphonse Munyarugendo, known as “Monaco Dollar,” plays a crucial role in this plot. A former member of Habyarimana’s army who joined in 1989, Munyarugendo runs businesses in Mozambique and remains deeply involved with the FDLR.
His brother, Col Anatole Nsengiyumva, was convicted for his role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Munyarugendo himself was responsible for heavy artillery at Kanombe military barracks in 1994 and later served in the DRC’s army, FARDC, overseeing operations in Pweto.
{{Tshisekedi’s broader plot against Rwanda}}
Kayumba Nyamwasa’s trip to Kinshasa is part of a broader plan by President Tshisekedi to destabilize Rwanda, a goal he has publicly stated multiple times.
In December 2022, Tshisekedi met with Congolese youth and expressed his desire to support efforts to overthrow the Rwandan government.
“Rwandans are our brothers and sisters. They need our help to liberate them… from leaders holding them back,” he said.
Since then, Tshisekedi has ramped up his support for Rwandan subversive groups, including providing platforms for the FDLR and lending support to exiled figures like Eugène Richard Gasana.
Gasana, who has assumed a coordinating role among these groups, is reportedly working closely with Tshisekedi in this destabilization campaign.
Additionally, a confidential document dated July 26, 2024, and signed by Tshisekedi’s Director of Cabinet, Anthony Nkinzo Kamole, reveals that the DRC government has been in talks with Niger to transfer six Rwandan nationals to Kinshasa.
These individuals were prosecuted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) for their involvement in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, some having been acquitted or released after serving their sentences.
Among these individuals are high-profile figures such as Sagahutu Innocent, Nzuwonemeye François Xavier, Mugiraneza Prosper, Nteziryayo Alphonse, Ntagerura André, and Protais Zigiranyirazo—key actors in Habyarimana’s regime.
Notably, two of them were senior military officers: Major Nzuwonemeye, head of military intelligence, and Captain Sagahutu, his deputy. Protais Zigiranyirazo, President Habyarimana’s brother-in-law, also held significant power within the regime.
Tshisekedi’s moves to gather and collaborate with these individuals, as well as his ties to various subversive Rwandan factions, highlight his continued efforts to destabilize Rwanda.
He made these remarks in an exclusive interview with IGIHE following his swearing-in on September 26, 2024.
Dr. Kalinda reflected on his experience since taking over from Dr. Iyamuremye Augustin in 2023.
He expressed his gratitude for the support he received, stating, “I joined the Senate midway through its term, but I was pleased to work with those I found there, as they helped me better understand the Senate’s operations, and together we achieved a lot.”
Dr. Kalinda outlined key achievements from the previous term, highlighting that the Senate upheld constitutional principles and successfully passed several important legislative measures.
These included the passage of one constitutional law, seven organic laws, and 18 ordinary laws. The Senate also held 43 standing committee meetings, produced 14 reports on government programs, and engaged in numerous discussions and inquiries.
Dr. Kalinda expressed his appreciation for the confidence placed in him once again by President Paul Kagame and emphasized the importance of collaboration across different levels of governance.
“In this new term, I am honored that the President of the Republic has entrusted me with this role again. My main focus will be fostering cooperation and coordination among institutions. We must listen to the concerns and aspirations of the people, as the Senate is here to help address key national issues,” he stated.
When discussing citizen engagement, Dr. Kalinda underscored the importance of using multiple approaches to gather public feedback. This includes direct community outreach and leveraging technology.
“There are multiple ways for the Senate to reach citizens. We can meet them in person, hear their concerns, and engage in discussions on how to resolve them. We also have technological means and can hold consultative meetings to seek further ideas from others,” he noted.
Additionally, he emphasized the Senate’s responsibility to conduct research on emerging issues to provide informed recommendations.
He called on his fellow Senators to place citizens at the forefront of their work and to foster a spirit of collaboration.
“What I ask from my fellow Senators as we begin this new term is to work together with mutual respect and understanding, always prioritizing the citizens’ interests above our own.”
The Rwandan Senate consists of 26 Senators, with women holding a majority for the first time at 53.9%. In contrast, the previous Senate had 35% female representation.
The Senate’s primary responsibilities include overseeing the constitutional principles, reviewing and passing laws, scrutinizing government activities, monitoring political organizations, and contributing to the national budget review.
Dr. Kalinda will lead the Senate alongside Vice Presidents Ambassador Solina Nyirahabimana, responsible for legislation and government oversight, and Alvera Mukabaramba, who was re-elected as Vice President in charge of finance and administration.
Of the newly sworn-in Senators, 20 have taken office, while six others are continuing their terms until next year.
These include Prof. Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu, Evode Uwizeyimana, Dr. André Twahirwa, and Epiphanie Kanziza, appointed by President Kagame in 2020, as well as Senators Alexis Mugisha and Clotilde Mukakarangwa, elected by the Forum of Political Organizations in 2020.
This came during a high-level meeting held on Wednesday under the theme “Investing in Tomorrow: The African Union Year of Education Catalyzing Progress for Africa and the World,” the AU said in a statement.
Addressing the meeting, Chairperson of the AU Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat underscored the critical need to guarantee access to quality education for all Africans, with a particular focus on the marginalized and most vulnerable groups, mainly young girls and people with disabilities.
Noting that the education sector in Africa is often the most affected by instabilities caused by conflicts, Faki called for the protection of educational facilities and emphasized that education should serve as a beacon of hope and an engine of progress.
“Education empowers individuals, strengthens communities, builds nations, breaks the chains of poverty, and lays the foundation for a prosperous and equitable society. The African Union’s commitment to prioritizing education reflects our unwavering belief that knowledge provides the power to break barriers, challenge societal norms, and create a more equitable world,” the AU statement quoted Faki as saying.
Jakaya Kikwete, former Tanzanian president and board chair of the Global Partnership for Education, stressed that investing in education is an investment in securing a better future for Africa.
“Achieving the Africa we want hinges on our commitment to invest in young Africans. Too few governments are meeting the global benchmark of spending 15 to 20 percent of national budgets on education. Yet, the returns on education are immense — a 1 percent improvement in learning outcomes can translate to a 7.2 percent increase in annual economic growth,” Kikwete said, adding that an educated and skilled population could boost per capita income in Africa by 50 percent by 2050.
Claver Gatete, executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that education in Africa needs a revolution.
The high-level meeting, held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, is a recognition of the AU theme of the year 2024: Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa.
The electronics, which also include television sets, radios, modem, flash disks, decoders, routers, electric cables and power banks, were seized in the last two years.
The public destruction was witnessed by officials from Rwanda National Police (RNP), Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) and Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB).
The RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, said that the electronics were seized in operations conducted over the past two years, during the enforcement of the regulations governing used electronics and electronic equipment.
“During the enforcement of the regulation, it was observed that some electronics on the market were substandard, some dealers in second-hand electronics had no source of origin while other electronics had been stolen. Those that were stolen were returned to the rightful owners,” ACP Rutikanga said.
The regulation governs, among others, consumer electronics, office, IT and telecommunication equipment, refrigerator equipment, large and small household appliances, lighting fixtures and lamps, sports and leisure appliances, and toys.
It provides that for one to trade in used electrical and electronic equipment, they must apply for a license issued by RICA, which is valid for two year renewal.
Before buying, business operators are required to ensure that used electrical and electronic equipment meets the safety requirements of the standards IEC 60950-1; and to record the description of the equipment bought and sold.
The records should indicate the category, brand and model name, model number, serial number, information relating to International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) and International Mobile Equipment Identity Software Version (IMEI-SV) per slot where applicable; any other distinguished marks or features, where applicable and equipment status description.
Before buying second-hand electronics, the business operator must first verify that the seller is the rightful owner of the equipment and record detailed particulars.
“We advise dealers in second-hand electronics and electronic equipment to follow the regulation to avoid buying and selling substandard and stolen items, which also leads to either imprisonment or heavy fines,” ACP Rutikanga said.
He warned that operations are continuous to impound all items that do not meet the required standards, and to penalize the violators.
The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Consolée Uwimana flagged off the project on Thursday, September 26, at the Rwanda National Police (RNP) General Headquarters in Kacyiru.
The launch of the project was the climax of a two-day training on ‘Gender Responsive Leadership’, which was attended by 56 law enforcement officers from nine African countries.
It was organized in partnership with United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO).
Participating countries are Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Comoros, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Seychelles, and Rwanda, the host.
Minister Uwimana said empowering every badge recognises that women and men have different experiences and needs.
“This brings unique contributions in the work they do, and how they serve diverse communities in our region. By creating a more inclusive, equitable, and effective law enforcement system, we are improving our approach and delivery of justice,” Minister Uwimana said.
This collaboration, she said, is required to promote professional development and ensure that policing reflects the communities it serves.
She called for individual and collective commitment to a vision of gender equality in law enforcement where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness; and where every individual, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute.
“In Rwanda, we are proud of the participation of women in security and law enforcement, particularly in peacekeeping and peacebuilding. As we mark 20 in peacekeeping, Rwanda continues to be one of the top contributors of troops and police in the UN peacekeeping missions,”
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) CG Felix Namuhoranye called for full commitment of law enforcement institutions to “get the project right and successful.” He added that the RNP will be a good and active partner towards the successful execution of the gender equality project in law enforcement agencies.
Ms Ashita Mittal, UNODC regional representative observed that despite the evidence that gender equality offers a path to sustainable peace and conflict prevention, progress has been insufficient, and in some cases reversed.
Empowering Every Badge project, she said, will be a guiding tool for more women to join law enforcement, help reduce biases, enhance the overall community trust, and contribute to stronger capacity of women to assume leadership roles in peace and security agenda.
Africa Sendahangarwa Apollo, the Chief Executive Officer of EAPCCO and Head Interpol Regional Bureau, said that this project is the brain of the EAPCCO Chiefs of Police to have an understanding of how gender parity can be enhanced in all member countries.
The election for the Senate Bureau followed the swearing-in of 20 new Senators, including those recently elected from various categories and four appointed by the President of the Republic.
Dr. Kalinda’s candidacy was proposed by Senator Mureshyankwano Marie Rose, who praised his leadership skills and experience. Running unopposed, Kalinda secured 25 out of 26 votes.
In his acceptance remarks, Senator Kalinda expressed gratitude to President Kagame and his fellow Senators for their renewed trust, promising to remain faithful to the confidence placed in him.
Senator Solina Nyirahabimana was elected as Vice President in charge of legislation and government oversight, securing 22 out of 26 votes.
Meanwhile, Senator Alvera Mukabaramba was elected as Vice President in charge of administration and finance with 24 out of 26 votes, also running unopposed.
The newly sworn-in Senators include 12 elected through the country’s governance structures, two elected to represent higher education institutions, two from the political parties forum, and four appointed by the President.
The Senate of Rwanda consists of 26 Senators, with women making up the majority for the first time, comprising 53.9% of the Senate. Six Senators will conclude their terms in 2025.
President Paul Kagame, who officiated the swearing-in ceremony, said that the senators’ experience equips them for the responsibilities ahead.
He emphasized the Senate’s critical role in Rwanda’s development, urging Senators to prioritize accountability, solve citizens’ problems, and place the interests of all Rwandans at the forefront of their work.
The Head of State also assured the Senate of his support and collaboration to deliver on their duties.
{{Who is Dr. Kalinda?}}
Dr. François Xavier Kalinda joined the Senate in January 2023 and was immediately elected its President following the resignation of Dr. Iyamuremye.
Born in Kitabi Sector, Nyamagabe District, Dr. Kalinda previously worked as a lecturer and researcher at the University of Rwanda’s College of Arts and Social Sciences, where he was also a member of the academic senate.
After completing his undergraduate studies at the former National University of Rwanda in 1996, Dr. Kalinda earned a Master of Laws in Intellectual Property Rights from the University of Ottawa, Canada, in 1999. He went on to obtain a PhD in Business Law from the University of Strasbourg, France, in 2010.
From October 2015 to December 2022, he served as a member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
Speaking on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, during a United Nations General Assembly panel in New York, Nduhungirehe emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to addressing hate speech, misinformation, and denial of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
The panel, which focused on the impact of hate speech, was moderated by Alice Nderitu, the Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide.
Nduhungirehe underscored the importance of technological advancements while highlighting the challenges they present in controlling harmful content.
“Technology is good, but we are living in an era of fake news and alternative facts,” Nduhungirehe noted.
“It was challenging for us to combat hate speech and false narratives surrounding the Genocide against the Tutsi. Nowadays, any Rwandan abroad or any Genocide fugitive can open a YouTube channel and say whatever he/she wants,” he added.
Nduhungirehe pointed out that while technology has the power to unite people, it has also become the primary vehicle for the spread of genocide ideology, denial, and hate speech. Social media platforms, in particular, have given a vast audience to those who seek to distort history.
The Rwandan government, according to Nduhungirehe, is making efforts to forge collaboration with social media giants to curb this dangerous trend.
“We’ve been engaging with the owners of these platforms to take action, but we found out that it’s easier to address anti-vaccine misinformation or climate change skepticism than to act on those responsible for the deaths of over a million people so they can stop what is going on,” Nduhungirehe remarked.
“People are denying and minimizing the genocide [Genocide against the Tutsi] daily on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and X. We are still engaging them but it is still an issue that we are facing,” he added.
The minister also drew attention to the ongoing violence against Tutsis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where hate speech continues to incite attacks, often facilitated by social media.
This situation, he argued, highlights how little the world has learned from the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Alice Nderitu, the UN’s special adviser, echoed these concerns, recounting her recent visit to Rwanda. She recalled meeting Congolese refugees and expressed sorrow over the international community’s failure to learn from the lessons of history, as genocidal ideologies continue to claim new victims.
