The chilling events unfolded at 4 o’clock in the night when a passenger hired the deceased, Eric Dushimimana. Upon reaching Mburamazi road, another passenger joined, forming a sinister collaboration. As they reached a secluded street, the assailants attacked, stabbing Dushimimana immediately.
Despite a valiant struggle, the victim couldn’t hold on. His desperate cries for help echoed in the night, but the criminals overpowered him, stealing his phone and motorcycle documents. Villagers, alerted by the screams, rushed to the scene only to find Dushimimana’s lifeless body. The killers fled, pushing the stolen motorcycle.
Not long after, one of the criminals was apprehended in the village of Mibilizi, Kagamizi cell, Gashonga Sector. The suspect was caught with the deceased’s motorcycle logbook and bloodied clothes and provided information that led to the arrest of his colleague.
The Executive Secretary of Nyakarenzo Sector, Jean Pierre Ntawizera confirmed that the two suspects are now in custody at the RIB Station in Nyakarenzo.
Expressing his concern, Ntawizera urged people to refrain from seeking unearned wealth and emphasized the need for motorcyclists to exercise caution, particularly regarding passengers and avoiding forested areas during the night.
The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by those who traverse isolated roads, calling for increased vigilance and community awareness.
Cancer, characterized by abnormal cell growth, can manifest in any part of the body, with Rwanda experiencing more than 100 types. The prevalent types in the country include cervical, breast, stomach, blood, and bladder cancers.
Mr. Marc Hagenimana, the Acting Director of the Cancer Prevention and Treatment Unit at RBC, expressed deep concern over the rising cases, particularly noting the prevalence of breast and cervical cancers.
In 2023, 97,077 individuals underwent testing for cervical cancer, revealing 610 cases, while 130,133 were tested for breast cancer, detecting 605 cases. Over the past five years, 372,904 Rwandan women have been screened for cervical cancer.
Hagenimana stressed that these figures represent only a portion of actual cases, urging Rwandans to undergo regular screenings. Efforts are underway to raise awareness, especially for cervical and breast cancer screenings, with Hagenimana emphasizing the preventability and eradication of cervical cancer through vaccination and early symptom screening for 12-year-old girls.
He also highlighted the potential for complete cure when certain cancers are detected early, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for higher recovery chances.
Vestine Tuyisenge, a resident of Mukarange, emphasized the significance of awareness and healthcare access after undergoing screening at a local health center, driven by the loss of her sister-in-law to cervical cancer.
Jacqueline Tuyisenge, from Irebero village in Mukarange, touched upon the declining role of traditional healers in treating cancers, now discouraged in favor of modern medical approaches.
The Rwandan government, in collaboration with partners like SFH Rwanda and Partners in Health, is actively focusing on providing support for cancer patients, including medications.
Currently, five hospitals in Rwanda are equipped to handle cancer cases: Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK), Butare University Teaching Hospital, Kanombe Military Hospital, King Faisal Hospital, and Butaro Hospital.
Arthur Asiimwe, the Deputy Head of Mission at Rwanda’s Embassy in Washington DC, shared insights on the planned activities during this year’s Rwanda Day in a recent interview with Ally Soudy On Air. He highlighted the enthusiasm, with over 7,000 people having already registered, underscoring the eagerness of Rwandans living abroad to reconnect with their Head of State.
On February 2, 2024, in the afternoon, a Business Forum will unite 400 to 500 traders from Rwanda and the diaspora with American counterparts.
The forum aims to explore investment opportunities in Rwanda and how these can be further developed. A panel discussion is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., followed by individual reflections on work experiences.
The main event unfolds on Saturday, February 3, 2024, with a series of talks preceding the Head of State’s address. Discussions will cover sovereignty, security, economic and social issues, as well as opportunities in sports. Participants will have the chance to engage in a Q&A session with the Head of State, followed by socializing and entertainment.
Asiimwe urged attendees to arrive early, as pre-event activities include the Made in Rwanda exhibition featuring around 20 companies. Various government agencies, including RSSB and immigration agencies among others, will offer services on-site, ensuring attendees can address their concerns without the need to travel to Rwanda.
The event will also feature a Career Corner, where companies will provide advice to individuals seeking employment. Thirteen participating companies will discuss opportunities in Rwanda, guiding attendees on where to focus their efforts in terms of knowledge and skills.
To cater to parents, a children’s room will be available, alleviating concerns about childcare during the event. Rwanda Day, which began in 2010 in Brussels, has become a tradition, with previous gatherings in cities such as Chicago, Paris, Boston, London, Toronto, Atlanta, Dallas, Amsterdam, San Francisco, Ghent, and Bonn, the most recent one being held in 2019 in Germany.
In February 2023, NEC evaluated the performance of 17,617 election volunteers for Eastern Province appointments. During this assessment, they identified volunteers who had resigned and those requiring replacement, receiving a total of 1,193 replacement requests.
Frank Kayiranga Rwigamba, the coordinator of the National Electoral Commission in Eastern Province, has reported that out of 619 polling sites, 615 were inspected to ensure compliance with election administration standards. Objectives included assessing road accessibility, electricity availability, and essential facilities like latrines, ladies’ rooms, and water access for individuals with disabilities.
The roadmap also highlighted that 474 election sites were connected to electricity, while 145 were not. Only one site lacked road access, and all 619 had access to latrines. Additionally, 587 out of the 618 election sites provided water access for disabled individuals, underlining the commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in the electoral process.
Kayiranga mentioned that there are 539 available ladies’ rooms, with 76 still needed. He emphasized the significance of ladies’ rooms at voting sites for accommodating breastfeeding mothers and ensuring their participation in the electoral process. Efforts are underway to add more voting sites to the list, particularly schools with mothers’ rooms.
The NEC has identified a need for intensified efforts in voter registration and civic education to ensure the inclusion of all eligible voters in the electoral process. From June 13 to July 30, the electoral commission will be receiving and reviewing candidates’ nominations, along with their representatives at voting sites, and preparing campaigning venues for candidates.
Kayiranga urged officials to expedite the provision of identification documents, including IDs and substitutes for those lacking them, for citizens to use in the elections. He stressed the importance of ensuring that all eligible voters have access to identification documents to exercise their right to vote.
Additionally, Kayiranga highlighted the need for effective communication and coordination among officials to ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process. The electoral commission plans to organize voter education programs to inform citizens about their rights and responsibilities during the upcoming elections.
Notably, the 2017 Eastern Province voter list had over 1.6 million voters, while the 2022 voter list for local mediators had over 2 million voters, representing a difference of over 370,000 new voters aged 18. Nyagatare District recorded the highest increase in eligible voter registration, with over 75,000 new voters registered.
The tragic incident occurred on the evening of January 30, 2024, in Gatungo village, Ryaruyumba cell, Manyagiro sector, Gicumbi district.
According to sources close to the family, the deceased had been expressing feelings of isolation in the days leading up to the incident, stating that the world was turning away from him.
The distressing discovery was made by his wife when she found him hanging from a rope above their house shortly after giving birth to their second born.
Parfaite Uwera, Acting Mayor of Gicumbi District, has confirmed the incident and urged people to share their challenges with others early on to facilitate timely support.
Reports from neighbors indicate that Masasu had traveled to Uganda in July 2021 and returned in July 2023, displaying signs of mental health issues upon his return.
Last year, Ukraine’s debt increased by 30.4 percent, or 33.9 billion dollars, according to a report by the Ukrainian Finance Ministry.
In 2023, the country’s external debt increased by 42.3 percent to 101.7 billion dollars, while internal borrowings were up by 13.3 percent to 1.656 trillion hryvnia (about 43.6 billion dollars).
In 2022, Ukraine’s combined state debt rose by 13.7 percent to 111.45 billion dollars.
The Finance Ministry estimated earlier that Ukraine, which received 42.6 billion dollars in loans and grants in 2023, would require more than 37 billion dollars in external financing this year.
The signature of the new program confirms the longstanding partnership in development cooperation between the Belgian and Rwandan authorities.
Valued at EUR 95 million (approximately Rwf131 billion), the cooperation programme strategically allocates resources across key sectors including agriculture, urbanisation and health, as well as in public finance management.
Building on the results of the ongoing cooperation programme 2019-2024, the new programme aims for continuity and impact. Both countries herewith reinforce their joint commitment to sustainable growth and pressing global challenges.
The new program has been developed in close collaboration over the course of 2023.
Implementation will be ensured jointly by MINECOFIN, technical ministries and agencies, and Enabel, the Belgian development agency. The program will complement another ongoing bilateral cooperation programme on decent work and social protection (EUR 17 million, 2022-2027). Part of a broader Team Europe approach, the programme also aligns with those of other EU development partners.
Commenting on the development, Minister Ndagijimana said: “The latest program represents a crucial stride forward, reaffirming our dedication to vital sectors such as agriculture, health, urbanization, and public finance management—a cornerstone for Rwanda’s socio-economic advancement. This agreement underscores the sustained collaboration between our two nations, a partnership that has consistently delivered tangible progress across diverse sectors of our engagement.”
Director Heidy Rombouts said: “With this new program Belgium and Rwanda renew their longstanding joint commitment to sustainable development. I am proud to stand here as a partner to Rwanda’s ambitious agenda on the access to healthcare, the transformation towards sustainable food systems and the development of climate-smart inclusive cities.”
{{Sectoral focus}}
{{Health: }} Health system strengthening, improving quality healthcare for all. The programme has a particular focus on sexual and reproductive health, as well as the fight against gender-based violence.
{{Agriculture: }} Increasing access to and the consumption of quality food for the growing population within an enabling environment for food system transformation. The programme does so through the development of sustainable, resilient and inclusive agricultural value chains in a context of increasing urbanisation.
{{Urbanisation:}} Supporting the development of sustainable and attractive satellite cities by enhancing the living conditions of its population, especially the most vulnerable. This way, the programme aims to contribute to a socioeconomic and environmental ecosystem that is inclusive and climate-proof.
“We do not want to waste time in talking. We want to move forward,” Al-Burhan, also chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council, made the remarks while addressing soldiers at a military base in the New Halfa area in eastern Sudan.
Al-Burhan commended the Sudanese people’s support for the army, saying “the Sudanese people and the army are together in one trench until this rebellion is defeated.”
He added that “the army is advancing in its battle to defeat the rebellion of the RSF backed by unprecedented popular support.”
Sudan has been witnessing deadly clashes between the SAF and the RSF since April 15, 2023. More than 13,000 people have been killed and over 9 million displaced since the fighting broke out, according to estimates released last week by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Born in Mataba in 1922, Mpyisi spent his formative years in Gitwe, where he toiled before embarking on a journey of exile that took him through various countries, including Burundi, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya. Revered for his impactful and witty oratory, he infused these qualities into his sermons and interviews.
The latest communication from Mpyisi occurred in December 2023 when he responded to unfounded rumors of his demise, attributing them to individuals with ill intentions influenced by malevolent forces. He promptly dismissed the speculations, affirming, “Where can I go when I am in the Lord Jesus?”
Despite acknowledging the inevitability of life’s conclusion, Pastor Mpyisi, a steadfast believer in God, faced death without fear. He confidently declared, “So whether I depart now or tomorrow, blessed are the dead who die in the Lord Jesus,” drawing inspiration from the words of Paul.
He firmly believed that those who departed in the Lord Jesus would experience a resurrection with a new and virtuous nature, liberated from the inclinations towards evil that lead to sin.
{{Stance against peculiar sayings }}
In the vibrant year of 2022, a peculiar saying reverberated among the youth— the ‘no hundred years’ notion. In response, Pastor Ezra Mpyisi eloquently debunked this belief, emphatically disproving it by achieving the remarkable milestone himself. The revelation unfolded amidst a jubilant celebration orchestrated by his family, dedicated to honoring his centennial birthday and expressing gratitude for his pivotal role in shaping the nation and bringing solace to many hearts.
In the midst of the festivity, Pastor Mpyisi seized the moment to address the misconception with finesse. He declared with unwavering confidence, “Those who propagate the idea that one may not live a hundred years stand corrected. This belief, often echoed by the younger generation, is a flawed prophecy. I stand before you at a hundred, a testament that defies their misguided projections.”
{{‘They ousted me from the church’ }}
In the year 2021, a poignant revelation unfolded as he disclosed a six-decade-long commitment to preaching within the hallowed halls of churches. Initially, the pews were filled, and financial contributions flowed abundantly. A chair of honor was bestowed upon him, yet as he began to unveil uncomfortable truths, the atmosphere shifted drastically.
With a heavy heart, he recounted, “They ousted me from the church, stripping me of my pulpit. Once a revered figure, now I am shunned. A mere decade ago, I presided over weddings, partaking in a charade of untruths. I did not unite couples as the Bible dictates. It was only later that I embraced the profound reality, forsaking the dishonest path I once trod.”
{{‘I was forced to embrace faith in God’}}
Mpyisi once recounted to IGIHE the story of his introduction to the Adventist Church, recalling an encounter with someone who urged him to embrace faith in God, albeit against his will.
He narrated, “While we were tending to cattle in Nyanza, they found us and compelled us to join.
Registering was mandatory, and skipping services meant facing repercussions, even physical harm to one’s father.”
A seasoned pastor with a 70-year tenure in teaching the Word of God, Mpyisi admitted, “I acquiesced to becoming an Adventist, and they emphasized unquestioning obedience to their directives.”
In a 2019 National Television interview, Pastor Ezra Mpyisi addressed his past relationship with alcohol. When questioned about whether he had ever consumed alcohol, he acknowledged the prevalence in Rwandan culture during his time but shared, “The time came for me, and I chose to give it up.”
Responding to the notion that alcohol might have a calming effect, he straightforwardly labeled it as “dangerous.”
Reflecting on his younger self, Mpyisi admitted to being a handsome young man with a penchant for pursuing relationships with women. When probed about whether he had been intimate with them, he responded candidly, “Listen, you’re asking the obvious. I reached a point where Jesus healed me from those pursuits.”
{{Stance on witchcraft }}
When questioned about his involvement in Witchcraft, Pastor Mpyisi openly shared that he witnessed his father practicing it during his upbringing. He acknowledged assisting his father in these rituals but emphasized that, in their perspective, it wasn’t considered a sin as it was an integral part of their religious beliefs.
When pressed on whether he now viewed it as a sinful practice, he vehemently denied any remorse. He explained, “I don’t regret my actions back then because, within our context, it wasn’t deemed sinful. However, my perspective has evolved, and I now regret it because I’ve come to understand what is morally superior. While Rwandans labeled it witchcraft, religious individuals termed it prayer. In essence, it’s the same; only the names differ.”
{{Establishing religious denominations as business ventures}}
In 2016, at the age of 94, Pastor Mpyisi underscored the surge in religious denominations in Rwanda, attributing it to the founders pursuing their personal interests, often financial gain.
He expressed, “It’s all about their interests. Having a religion becomes a pathway to wealth. It’s akin to a business. It’s about money! Their goal is riches, and the way these religious denominations are structured, people join in, and as they do, money flows in. True religion should be singular because God is one.”
{{Attending a wedding of a traditional healer with ‘magical power’}}
Pastor Ezra Mpyisi exhibited a remarkable level of innovation throughout his life. While Adventists typically do not endorse beliefs in witchcraft, he ventured beyond conventional boundaries by attending the wedding of a traditional healer with magical power, Rutangarwamaboko. His intention was to illustrate that such practices are not inherently sinful but rather rooted in Rwandan tradition.
He argued, “Consider our own marriage customs—did we not traditionally marry before consummating the union? This is ingrained in Rwandan culture. So, what defines a Christian marriage? Is there a distinction between cultural practices and sin? Do Christians not wear rings? Are rings inherently Christian? Some even incorporate rituals using a plant, Umwishywa.So, where does the differentiation lie?”
Continuing his discourse, Pastor Mpyisi challenged established norms, questioning, “Did God use a ring when officiating Adam and Eve’s marriage? Did he incorporate that plant or veil? Did they go to a temple? It suggests that all these symbols are mere constructs. What God intended was the union, recognizing ‘this is your wife, this is your husband,’ and abiding in harmony without worldly conflicts.”
He concluded by asserting that elements like rings, elaborate ceremonies, and church weddings are human fabrications, not intrinsic to God’s definition of marriage.
According to him, God’s marriage is characterized by understanding and peaceful coexistence between spouses, transcending worldly conventions.
{{‘RPF Inkotanyi did a great work’}}
During the screening of the film “Sogokuru,” depicting his life story, Pastor Ezra Mpyisi expressed heartfelt gratitude to his grandchildren who played a role in its creation.
Additionally, he didn’t forget to extend his thanks to the Inkotanyi, the individuals associated with the Rwandan Patriotic Front, who facilitated his return to the country after his period of exile.
He remarked, “Surrounded by these individuals brought together by the efforts of my grandchildren here in Rwanda, the Inkotanyi performed a miracle by reuniting us. In a gathering like this, I would like to emphasize the search for a sacred place, for it is in Heaven where Jesus has gone to prepare for us.”
Reflecting on his past, Pastor Ezra Mpyisi candidly admitted in 2020 that one of his deepest regrets was misleading people for many years by preaching inaccurate teachings he had been erroneously taught himself.
He shared, “For years, I propagated misinformation. What brings me solace is that, at the age of 98, God protected me, and in those final years, I delved into the Bible, realizing my errors. I sought the truth and discovered that Rwandans, too, have a profound knowledge of God.”
{{‘White people conned us with sugar’}}
During the era of colonial influence, Rwandans faced challenges in associating with the white settlers, but the missionaries employed cunning strategies to win the allegiance of the locals. According to Ezra Mpyisi, beyond the compulsory attendance of school, the missionaries enticed Rwandans with gifts like salt and sugar.
He recounted, “Instead of imparting Biblical teachings, they offered us their salt, and we were given sugar to consume. They coerced us, offering salt and sugar, and despite the empty sustenance, we developed an affinity for them.”
Pastor Ezra Mpyisi drew attention to a contemporary issue, attributing the rise in teenage pregnancies to parental irresponsibility. He emphasized that merely dressing to cover one’s nakedness is insufficient in teaching a child.
He remarked, “Parents displaying signs of irresponsible behavior, with stained fingers and mouths, cannot effectively guide their children. How can they instill wisdom in their offspring?”
{{‘There’s no issue in betrothing pregnant women’}}
Some churches impose restrictions against betrothing pregnant girls, subjecting them to tests even on the day of the betrothal ceremony. When asked about his perspective on marrying a pregnant girl, Pastor Mpyisi promptly asserted that it presents no issue for him.
He elaborated, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing faithfulness. Finding individuals who embody fidelity can be challenging, and regardless of pregnancy, Pastor Mpyisi expressed his willingness to betroth them, emphasizing equality in all aspects.
He underscored the potential repercussions of refusing betrothal based on pregnancy, highlighting the potential harm to the household. His perspective extends beyond pregnancy, as he believes in evaluating individuals based on their commitment to fidelity, rather than passing judgment on their circumstances. He questioned, “How can a son ascertain if his father committed adultery?”
{{‘The consumption of meat aligns with the act of taking a life’}}
Pastor Ezra Mpyisi highlighted the belief that God initially provided perishable, raw food for humans, emphasizing that the need for food storage, prolonged preparation, and cooking arose as a consequence of sin.
He articulated, “God’s original provision did not include meat consumption. The act of killing is not aligned with God’s nature, and consuming meat necessitates killing. Personally, I partake in meat consumption, recognizing my status as a descendant of Adam, who, through sin, altered the original order of sustenance.”
{{‘Running after men makes people grow old prematurely’ }}
Pastor Mpyisi noted that, aside from harboring hatred, engaging in promiscuous behavior—men pursuing women and vice versa—is another factor that contributes to premature aging.
He remarked, “A man behaving recklessly ages prematurely, akin to a goat. Consuming alcohol and indulging in foods not provided by God also hastens the aging process.”
{{‘Pastors steal’ }}
Over the past four years, the pastor highlighted a disconcerting reality that, despite God’s commandments explicitly prohibiting theft and continuous teachings by pastors against it, instances of stealing persist within certain religious circles.
He observed, “Consider, which religions can you point to where stealing doesn’t occur, even though they preach against it? They claim to fight for righteousness, yet some steal from the tithe, even those who hold the esteemed title of pastors.
The tithes and offerings intended for God end up in the hands of Popes, Priests, and Bishops, with the promise that they will pray for your path to heaven. Yet, no one can intercede for another’s journey to heaven. It is a direct connection with God that enlightens and teaches an individual, and such divine guidance is not a commodity to be bought or sold.”
{{‘Mary is not the mother of Jesus’ }}
In 2019, Pastor Ezra Mpyisi challenged the belief that Jesus was born of Mary, asserting that such claims are erroneous since the origin of God remains unknown.
He expressed, “Mary is the daughter of Adam, a creation of God. How could Adam, who himself was created, give birth to God? Therefore, Jesus is not the Son of God; rather, he is God.”
{{‘I do not believe in religion’}}
In 2019, Pastor Mpyisi asserted his unwavering belief in God over any specific church affiliation. He demonstrated resilience, expressing that he wasn’t daunted by the prospect of being disassociated from the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
He declared, “In the eyes of God, only an individual possesses the authority to restrict themselves, and no one else can do so. If someone were to hinder me from reading the Bible, only then would they succeed in isolating me.”
{{‘The Bible has satanic expressions’ }}
The pastor disclosed his belief in the Bible while also acknowledging the presence of what he perceived as satanic expressions inserted by individuals.
‘Understanding normalcy is difficult when you’re dealing with your own issues’
Pastor Mpyisi highlighted that one of the reasons for the breakdown of relationships is the lack of self-awareness, with people expecting perfection in others while not recognizing their own imperfections.
He explained, “It’s common to hear individuals seeking a partner who has maintained purity, yet they themselves have a history of multiple relationships. Before looking for the ideal partner, first, understand and heal yourself.
It’s essential to recognize that expecting someone else to be faultless when you’ve had your own shortcomings is an unrealistic expectation. The more we acknowledge our own imperfections before God, the better equipped we are to understand and accept the imperfections in others.”
Having initiated its on-the-ground operations in Rwanda 13 years ago, Bboxx currently provides electricity to over 10% of households in the country, diversifying its offerings to include various essential services and products. The company has also expanded its footprint into 11 African markets.
Francis Gatare, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, expressed his approval, stating, “Bboxx’s decision to relocate its headquarters to Kigali is a welcome decision and aligns with our efforts for Rwanda as a magnet for smart, sustainable investments. Our unique ecosystem offers fertile ground for companies like Bboxx to innovate and expand, signaling to the world that Rwanda is open for business and ready for the future.”
{{Positioning at the Core of Africa’s Energy Industry}}
The move to Rwanda places Bboxx at the epicenter of Africa’s rapidly evolving energy and technology sectors, enhancing its access to crucial markets.
Mansoor Hamayun, CEO and co-founder of Bboxx, commented on the strategic relocation, stating, “In our journey to revolutionize access to essential products and services across Africa, it’s only fitting that we position ourselves at the heart of the continent. This move to Kigali not only brings us closer to the communities we serve but also cements our commitment to be an Africa-first, data-driven super platform, transforming lives and unlocking potential at an unprecedented scale.”
This relocation is part of a series of recent developments for Bboxx, including its partnership with EnerTech, expansion into Burkina Faso, and securing a loan to accelerate clean electrification delivery in Togo.
