The helicopter belongs to Northwest Aviation and Rescue Center of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM) and was conducting a simulated search and rescue mission over the lake.
EMERCOM announced that the wreckage of the helicopter was found 11 km away from the shore at a depth of up to 50 meters.
A search and rescue operation involving rescuers taking a hovercraft and riding snowmobiles has been launched.
The helicopter was piloted by an experienced crew with thousands of flight hours, according to the ministry.
A relative has told IGIHE that Kampayana breathed his last on the morning of February 5, 2024.
“It is true that he has passed on.”
He revealed that Kampayana passed away at home while in the process of preparing to visit the doctor. “His demise occurred as he was getting ready for a medical appointment,” he stated.
The cause of his ailment was not immediately apparent, and they awaited the doctor’s assessment for clarity.
Kampayana, aged 60, is survived by his wife and five children, comprising two daughters and three sons.
Before assuming the role of Acting CEO at the Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA), he served as the agency’s director of urban and rural housing.
Kampayana also held the position of Mayor of Nyarugenge District and led the Rwanda Association of Local Government Authorities (RALGA) during its establishment in 2003, among other notable roles.
The official announcement from the Polish head of state’s office reveals that President Duda is set to arrive in Kigali on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.
He is scheduled for private talks with President Kagame, followed by discussions involving their respective delegations.
While the specifics of the cooperation agreement remain undisclosed, the announcement indicates the signing of such an agreement.
Additionally, President Duda and his wife will pay their respects at the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi, honoring the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
President Duda’s itinerary includes participation in a forum on Polish investment in Rwanda, where he will address the participants. A visit to the LuNa Smelter factory is also planned, followed by a formal reception hosted by President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame.
On February 8, President Duda will travel to Kibeho to visit the Sanctuary Virgin Mary and the center for visually impaired children, where he will deliver a speech. Subsequently, he is expected to proceed to Tanzania for talks with President Samia Suluhu Hassan on February 8-9.
The enduring diplomatic ties between Rwanda and Poland date back to the 1960s, with mutual visits, discussions, and cooperation agreements occurring since 2003.
Notably, in 2017, Poland appointed its Ambassador to Rwanda, whose responsibilities were later relocated to Tanzania in 2018.
In 2022, Poland announced the opening of its Embassy in Kigali, and during the same year, Rwanda opened its Embassy in Poland, appointing Prof. Shyaka Anastase to represent its interests.
The bilateral relationship between Rwanda and Poland spans various sectors, including education, with approximately 1500 Rwandan students currently studying in Poland. Additionally, diplomatic agreements have been signed in the fields of military cooperation and tax system improvement.
In terms of investment, the Luna Smelter factory, owned by Polish Luma Investment, plays a significant role in processing Cassiterite minerals in Rwanda.
A Polish-Rwanda Business Forum held in December 2022 attracted around 150 investment companies from both nations, fostering economic collaboration between the two countries.
Leading these efforts are organizations such as Freedom from Torture, focused on combating torture, and the Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit, advocating for immigration justice.
Notably, the latter has received the highest amount of funding, as reported by the Center for Migration Control.
According to the agency, the UK government has allocated £209 million to 265 families since 2020, equivalent to 330 billion Rwandan francs.
Freedom from Torture has been the primary beneficiary, receiving a total of £609,000, including contributions from the Ministry of Justice.
The Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit has also received substantial support, with £500,000 granted by the government since 2020. The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Justice spokesperson confirmed this funding during an interview with Telegraph, emphasizing its purpose in assisting the organization’s collaboration with the criminal justice system.
The UK aims to reduce the number of migrants through a program involving their relocation to Rwanda, with the government anticipating a significant reduction in the influx of migrants arriving by small boats.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has emphasized that the implementation of this plan will lead to a notable decrease in the number of immigrants entering the country.
Initiated to assist immigrants primarily arriving via small boats, charity organizations fear that the reduction in immigrant numbers will result in a decline or cessation of their activities.
Concerns have been raised that successful implementation of the program may lead to a lack of funding for these organizations, as their perceived mission would be accomplished.
In response to the program, certain organizations have openly opposed it and launched a campaign to depict Rwanda as a country lacking in human rights and impoverished.
Rwanda’s government disputes these claims, citing its rapid development and pointing to its recognition by organizations like UNHCR for its positive treatment of refugees and migrants.
Freedom from Torture has taken legal action against the program, asserting its non-compliance with international law and securing a decision to halt its implementation. The organization’s leadership has vowed to continue advocating against the program while the government remains committed to its execution.
In December 2023, the Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit declared its ongoing opposition to the program, expressing determination to resist the government’s efforts to popularize it.
The British Ministry of Justice disclosed that the government’s financial support to these organizations includes a stipulation prohibiting the use of funds to influence parliamentary and governmental decisions.
Consequently, Freedom from Torture lost its funding in July 2023 for violating this provision. The program, rooted in an agreement signed in April 2022 and renewed in December 2023, remains a contentious issue.
In honoring the late leader, Kagame acknowledged Geingob as a champion of Pan-Africanism, whose legacy is destined to endure for generations. Geingob had been at the helm of the sparsely populated and predominantly arid southern African nation since 2015, the same year he announced his successful battle against prostate cancer.
In a heartfelt message posted on X, formerly Twitter, Kagame conveyed his deepest sympathies, saying, “My deepest condolences to my sister Monica Geingos, the entire family, and the people of Namibia for the passing of my brother and friend President Hage Geingob.”
The Rwandan President went on to highlight Geingob’s pivotal role during Namibia’s liberation struggle, his unwavering dedication to serving his people, and his commitment to a unified Africa.
Kagame emphasized that these contributions would be eternally etched in the memories of future generations.
Born in 1941, Geingob had already established himself as a prominent politician before Namibia gained independence from the white minority-ruled South Africa in 1990. He chaired the committee responsible for drafting Namibia’s constitution and subsequently became its first prime minister upon independence on March 21 of that year—a position he held until 2002.
In 2007, Geingob assumed the role of vice president of the governing South West Africa People’s Organization (Swapo), an organization he had joined as an advocate for independence during Namibia’s tenure as South West Africa.
In his message of condolences, Botswanan President Mokgweetsi Masisi described Geingob as a true friend of Botswana.
“We deeply value his support in building an extraordinary partnership our two countries and people enjoy today. We honor his legacy, mourn his passing, and remain committed to our steadfast friendship and cooperation,” said Masisi.
Masisi has directed that flags of Botswana fly at half-mast throughout the country from Sunday until Geingob is laid to rest.
Mourning Geingob’s death, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has lost a liberation stalwart and icon.
“We deeply cherish the exemplary role that he played in consolidating the excellent relations that exist between Zimbabwe and Namibia, as well as in advancing the integration agenda of our regional body, SADC, and the cause of the African peoples and continent,” Mnangagwa said.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his sadness over the passing of Geingob, saying, “Today, South Africa joins the people of our sister state, Namibia, in mourning the passing of a leader, patriot, and friend of South Africa.”
Ramaphosa said Geingob was a towering veteran of Namibia’s liberation from colonialism and apartheid. “He was also greatly influential in the solidarity that the people of Namibia extended to the people of South Africa so that we could be free today.”
“This loss is not only deeply felt by Namibians but also reverberates throughout the entire SADC region and the African continent. We mourn the passing of an outstanding revolutionary and dedicated statesman who led with wisdom, integrity, diplomacy, and a deep passion for his people,” the Parliament of South Africa said in a statement.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema also extended his deep condolences, describing Geingob as a true friend, liberation icon, senior African statesman, and elder brother.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed her condolences via X, formerly known as Twitter.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the president of Namibia, His Excellency Hage Geingob, a dear brother, a venerable pan-Africanist, and a great friend of Tanzania,” she said.
Nangolo Mbumba, the former vice president of Namibia, took the oath of office on Sunday in the Namibian capital of Windhoek, officially becoming the country’s fourth president after Geingob passed away at the age of 82.
On Jan. 19, the Namibian presidency said Geingob’s medical team discovered cancerous cells following a biopsy examination.
In the capital of Kigali, hundreds of residents took part in a cancer awareness walk, while cervical cancer screening and breast cancer early detection were conducted in 19 of the country’s 30 districts, according to the Rwandan Ministry of Health.
Addressing participants in Kigali, Rwandan Minister of Health Sabin Nsanzimana emphasized the need for regular physical activity in the fight against non-communicable diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
He also mentioned the need to reduce alcohol, sugar, and salt consumption to fight non-communicable diseases.
He emphasized the importance of cancer screening as a critical step toward early detection and a short treatment period for patients.
Noting that early detection increases the chances of overall survival, Nsanzimana said the ministry is stepping up early detection awareness campaigns as mammography machines are being installed in hospitals to facilitate screening across the country.
“More education and outreach programs can help people understand the signs and symptoms of cancer, as well as the various screening options available to them,” he said.
He noted that almost all cancers are related to lifestyle. “Healthy lifestyle can contribute significantly to prevention; what we eat, what we drink, and how we move. This important combination of lifestyle practices can help not only in cancer prevention but also in the prevention of other non-communicable diseases such as diabetes.”
Cancer is responsible for nearly one in six deaths in the African region, according to the World Health Organization.
In Rwanda, more than 8,800 cancer cases were recorded in 2020, according to official data, with cervical cancer and breast cancer being the most common.
About half of people with cancer in Rwanda are unaware of their condition, leading to late diagnosis and life-threatening consequences, according to health officials.
Nsanzimana expressed the government’s commitment to eradicating cervical cancer within two years through the administration of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
Phillipa Kibugu Decuir, a breast cancer survivor, also underlined the importance of increasing cancer awareness campaigns and early detection. “Understanding one’s body enables prompt action when changes are noticed.”
“It is with utmost sadness and regret that I inform you that our beloved Dr. Hage G. Geingob, the President of the Republic of Namibia, has passed on today, Sunday 4 February 2024 at around 00h04 at Lady Pohamba Hospital where he was receiving medical treatment from his medical team,” acting president Nangolo Mbumba said in a statement on the official social media account of the Namibian Presidency.
“His medical team… has been trying its utmost best to ensure that our President recovers,” the statement said. “Regrettably, notwithstanding the team’s spirited effort to save his life, sadly, fellow Namibians, President Geingob passed on.”
“The Namibian nation has lost a distinguished servant of the people, a liberation struggle icon, the chief architect of our constitution and the pillar of the Namibian house,” the statement said.
It called on Namibians to “remain calm and collected while the government attends to all necessary state arrangements, preparations and other protocols.”
On Saturday, vice president Mbumba told the nation Geingob was in a critical but stable condition after undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer at Lady Pohamba Hospital in Windhoek, the capital city.
On Jan. 19, the Namibian presidency said Geingob’s medical team discovered cancerous cells following a biopsy examination.
The M23 accuses the TPDF of using heavy artillery against civilian populations while targeting their forces.
The Directorate of the M23 Movement has emphasized its commitment to peace and its adherence to the decisions of international and regional bodies.
However, they assert that the actions of Mr. Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo are undermining peace efforts, leading to a situation they describe as tantamount to warmongering and ethnic cleansing, primarily affecting vulnerable civilians in Masisi and Karuba.
The M23’s statement, signed by Lawrence Kanyuka, Political wing spokesperson, conveys a dual message of peace and an unwavering resolve to defend innocent lives. The movement has publicly condemned the ongoing human rights violations and war crimes and has vowed to take defensive action to neutralize the SADC forces’ artillery that is allegedly decimating the civilian populace.
The statement highlights the M23’s respect for all regional organizations but draws a line at the continued use of what they consider indiscriminate force by the TPDF.
The movement’s declaration of its readiness to protect civilians by capturing or neutralizing the weapons and those operating them marks a significant escalation in their rhetoric and underscores the urgency of the situation on the ground.
The M23’s stance signals a critical juncture in the conflict, where the protection of civilians has become a central issue in their struggle.
Over 6,000 Rwandans and well-wishers residing abroad convened at the event to contemplate the progress of the country and explore diverse channels through which they could contribute.
Highlighting the significance of Rwanda Day in fostering ties with the Diaspora, Kagame emphasized that although individuals may travel worldwide, Rwanda should remain an integral part of their identity. Addressing the predominantly young population, he expressed the need for them to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s future, emphasizing the importance of their choices.
Acknowledging the achievements across various sectors, Kagame called for continued efforts in business, politics, philanthropy, and more, stressing that more is expected from everyone to meet the challenges the country faces. Despite the enduring journey, Kagame urged Rwandans to learn from their past, preparing against potential threats and ensuring the nation’s safety.
Using the metaphor “lightning doesn’t strike twice in the same place,” Kagame emphasized the importance of being vigilant and prepared. He underscored the necessity of not taking chances and learning from the lessons of the past, particularly the realization that sometimes, during times of need, one is on their own.
Closing his address, Kagame called for collective action, urging Rwandans to progress swiftly and reach ambitious goals. The event also included a ‘meet the president’ session where members of the Diaspora interacted with Kagame, expressing gratitude, posing questions, and offering suggestions in alignment with the country’s development agenda.
