The Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA) disclosed that these asylum seekers and migrants arrived in Kigali on the evening of Thursday, December 28, 2023, and were promptly transported to the Gashora Transit Center located in Bugesera District.
Originating from various countries, including Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, these individuals had traveled to Libya in hopes of reaching Europe.
In 2019, Rwanda entered into an agreement with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to temporarily host migrants and asylum seekers from Libya. Since then, a total of 2059 individuals have been received in 16 batches.
According to figures from MINEMA, 68% of these individuals have found host countries, with Canada leading by receiving 381. Other countries providing refuge include Sweden (255), Norway (193), USA (168), France (141), Finland (187), Netherlands (82), and Belgium (26).
The Government of Rwanda underscores its unwavering commitment to contributing to global efforts aimed at addressing the migrant crisis.
Having acquired US nationality, Anne Rwigara had been living outside Rwanda for an extended period, primarily in the USA and Belgium, where she had relatives.
The news of her passing began circulating on Thursday afternoon through various social media platforms.
IGIHE has received confirmation from reliable sources that Anne Rwigara passed away at the age of 41 in California succumbing to natural cause, and she had not been suffering from a prolonged illness.
Anne Rwigara was the sister of Diane Rwigara, who briefly entered the political arena in 2017.
“We are going into action together so that you can celebrate New Year’s Eve safely and to help you if you need us,” the police and fire departments in Berlin said in a joint video published on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter. “Don’t attack us.”
In the German capital Berlin, which was a hotspot for violence last year, the police are planning a major operation. “It is the largest police operation on New Year’s Eve in recent decades,” Berlin’s Police Commissioner Barbara Slowik said earlier this week.
Accident insurers also warned against a repeat of the attacks on rescue services seen a year ago.
“This violence must stop. People who rush to help others must not have to fear for their own safety and health,” stressed Stefan Hussy, director general of the German Social Accident Insurance.
Last year, in some districts of Berlin and other major German cities, police officers, firefighters and paramedics became the target of deliberate attacks with firecrackers, with at least 30 of them being seriously injured in Berlin alone.
So far, there is no general ban on fireworks in Germany. Cities and municipalities can independently prohibit the setting off of fireworks in certain areas.
By law, the burning of pyrotechnics is prohibited near churches or hospitals. Violations of explosives regulations will be punished as an administrative offense with fines of up to 50,000 euros (55,640 U.S. dollars). Handling unauthorized fireworks is considered a criminal offense in Germany.
Various groups, such as the police union, the German Medical Association and Environmental Action Germany, are calling for a ban on firecrackers and rocket fireworks for private use. (1 euro = 1.11 U.S. dollar)
More than 63 percent of the more than 8.3 million voters took part in the referendum, according to the National Commission Charged with the Organization of the Constitutional Referendum.
The country’s transitional president, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, will promulgate the new constitution, setting the stage for elections next year and a return to civilian rule.
The political and military situation in Chad has deteriorated since 2021 following the death of former President Idriss Deby Itno. Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno has since led a transitional military council to govern the country.
This situation has led many youths to opt for one-night stands, friends with benefits, or even abstain from dating altogether. Now, the question arises: How safe are these alternatives? I’ll leave it to you to ponder.
Pistanthrophobia is identified as the fear of being hurt in a romantic relationship, classified as a type of anxiety disorder characterized by persistent, irrational, and excessive fear. Individuals with phobias tend to avoid triggering situations or people to alleviate anxiety, even when there’s no real threat. These fears can disrupt daily routines, strain relationships, hinder work productivity, and diminish self-esteem.
Although there isn’t extensive research on Pistanthrophobia specifically, it falls under the category of specific phobias related to a particular situation or object. Those with this phobia often harbor a fear of getting hurt again, leading them to avoid entering new relationships as a defense mechanism against potential pain. However, avoiding relationships also means missing out on the positive aspects they can offer. This avoidance may hinder the chance to gain perspective or understanding from future relationships.
Similar to other phobias, Pistanthrophobia is often triggered by a past experience or a person. Negative encounters in past relationships, such as feeling hurt, betrayed, or rejected, can instill deep fear in individuals. Dr. Gail Saltz, an associate professor of psychiatry, notes that some people with this phobia may not have experienced a bad relationship but harbor anxiety, low self-esteem, and a fear of potential rejection or betrayal.
The aftermath of a traumatic relationship, marked by feelings of rejection, betrayal, hurt, sadness, and anger, contributes to the phobia.
My friend Acacia, aged 26, provides a real-life example. Having experienced two past relationships labeled as EXs, she has been single for two years. Her excuses are that in this generation it’s very hard to find true love, loyalty, someone to trust and dedicate yourself to, they always lie, or leave and the worst scenario breaks..
Acacia has faced advances from men, characterized by societal standards as “chic” with looks, wealth, and not lacking in character. Surprisingly, she has rejected them all, and upon reflection, it seems that Acacia, like many of us, may be grappling with this disorder. Do we recognize it? Can we overcome it? Should our past dictate our future?
In seeking answers, we turned to Acacia’s mother, Auntie Ruth, for guidance. According to her, such fears were not prevalent in their time.
Back then, love started with respect, and a man would express interest by taking a woman to his home. The progression from there often led to a family. The question remains: What should we do in the face of this modern-day struggle with fear of romantic involvement and love? Will this lead to Gamophobia, a fear of getting married or being involved in a committed relationship?
Sometimes being unable to concentrate irritates us the most. No matter how hard we try to be attentive, we always find ourselves absent minded. Be it in a church, class or just thinking about something, we often find ourselves attentive to the unwanted things.
Most of the time, it doesn’t end by just being irritated, lacking concentration interferes with our daily activities too. In the worst scenario it can even raze our creativity, making us professionally unproductive.
Though lacking concentration is almost a common thing, there are some lifestyle factors that contribute to it. Scientists claim that when it comes to the inability to concentrate, factors like lack of sleep, hunger, stress, lack of exercise and tiredness can both be progenitors and rub salt in the wound.
Do you always struggle to restore your concentration? If you really do, I can assure you that you are not alone. Many people are struggling with the same issue. However, here are some tips that I’d like to share with you hoping that they can help you improve your concentration.
{{Train your brain}}
Playing games that require thinking like crossword puzzles, memory games and chess can help you to improve your concentration. Other brain training activities like meditating, listening to music and learning a new skill can also improve concentration as it was revealed by a study carried out in 2015.
{{Listen to music}}
You might not be a fan of music, but you ought to know that listening to some sounds while working can improve concentration. Though this is really effective, the kind of music varies among individuals. It is your task to find out what kind that makes you attentive.
{{Sleep}}
“When one doesn’t get enough sleep, they are more likely to have problems concentrating,” science says. Sleeping less than 7 hours a day can lead to extreme tiredness that is likely to interfere with daily activities like driving, studying, etc.
{{Spend time in nature}}
If you are working on your concentration, taking a few minutes walking, sitting in a garden, or simply watching trees can really help. It benefits brain development and improves attention.
A research carried out in 2014 revealed that even putting plants and flowers in the workplace can improve concentration.
{{Take a break}}
This can really work, especially if you’re mentally or emotionally exhausted. If your concentration starts to sink while you’ve been working on a certain project for quite a moment, it is only right to get yourself out of it for a little while. This will lessen your exhaustion and restore your concentration.
{{Mind your diet}}
Processed food, too much sugar and fatty food are believed to reduce one’s concentration.
Instead, if you want to improve it, make sure you never miss breakfast and never let your body be dehydrated. You can also drink coffee since science has claimed it to improve attention and focus.
Though maximum concentration is not that easy to achieve, I can assure you that the discussed tips will always help you. As in your journey to achieving this, I wish you success. You can do it!
On Wednesday, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, announced the commencement of operations for the Ukrainian embassy in Ghana. He conveyed that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had directed the Ukrainian diplomatic service to initiate new embassies in Africa, and the first one in Ghana is now operational.
Kuleba mentioned that permits have been obtained for embassies to open embassies in different African countries such as Rwanda, Mozambique, Mauritania, Botswana, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sudan.
Emphasizing the strategic importance of these initiatives, Kuleba stated that it aligns with Ukraine’s strategy to enhance relationships with African nations, contribute to the Ukrainian-African renaissance, and counteract Russian influence globally. He highlighted that expanding diplomatic presence would create new opportunities for the Ukrainian government, businesses, and citizens.
Regarding the functioning of the embassy in Accra, Ghana, Kuleba mentioned that it would operate at the level of chargé d’affaires until an ambassador is appointed. The embassy’s role will involve developing political contacts, strengthening economic ties, and providing consular services for both Ukrainians and Ghanaians. Kuleba also disclosed plans to open ten new embassies in Africa in the near future.
In a column written in May, Kuleba outlined Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts to regain global influence and economic strength.
He emphasized the ongoing “political counteroffensive” aimed at reinforcing Ukraine’s position across continents, particularly in the Global South. Additionally, Kuleba visited Rwanda in May, signing an agreement with the Rwandan Foreign Minister to facilitate political consultations between the two countries.
In August 2020, there was widespread surprise when the residents of Rukamba in the Mashyuza cell, Nyakabuye sector, discovered the drying up of these thermal springs. This news brought sadness and astonishment, especially among those who had experienced the benefits of these waters, well-known for their healing properties.
These springs, present for generations, seemed inexhaustible. The elders, even those aged 70 years and above, claim to have always known them.
The sudden drying up raised many questions. While some speculated about possible earthquakes as the cause, Rwanda Mines, Petroleum And Gas Board (RMB) clarified the situation: this phenomenon was not related to earthquakes but rather to the geological nature of the source and the impacts of human activities, notably the use of dynamite.
Nyiraneza Pétronille, encountered on-site by IGIHE, expresses her joy at this unexpected return. She attests to the benefits of these waters, both for the healing of external and internal wounds, such as renal disorders.
Rwema Emmanuel, another resident, provides additional insight into the drying up of the springs. According to him, a large open channel had disrupted the natural flow of water, leading to its depletion. Fortunately, thanks to the intervention of the CIMERWA administration, this opening was blocked, allowing for a gradual return of the water.
The therapeutic virtues of these waters are widely praised. They are believed to be effective against back pain, renal problems, and even certain digestive disorders.
Facing this challenge, Louis Munyemanzi Ndagijimana, Vice Mayor of the Rusizi district for economic development, emphasizes the importance of sustainable management of this resource.
Discussions are underway with CIMERWA to develop a strategy for the preservation and development of surrounding infrastructure.
The challenge lies in reconciling industrial activities, including necessary dynamiting, with the preservation of the hot springs. The stability of the springs remains uncertain if disruptive activities persist.
Thus, the revival of Rusizi hot springs brings hope and relief. However, it also raises crucial questions about the sustainable and responsible management of this precious natural resource, at the heart of the identity and well-being of the Rusizi community.
On Wednesday morning, on Kinshasa’s Triumphal Boulevard, where the parliament is located, heavy presence of the DRC police has been deployed ahead of the protest attempt launched by five of the incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi’s challengers in the race on Dec. 20.
The five opposition candidates demanded a re-run as the general elections suffered from major logistic problems, leading to delay and extension of polling across the country.
On Tuesday, a day before the planned protest, the DRC government banned the protest, claiming that the protest was against the “game rules” and undermined the electoral process as the vote counting has not finished.
“I can reassure you, there will not be this march. It violates the legal provisions that the contestation of the (election) results takes place at the Constitutional Court,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Peter Kazadi at a press briefing.
Violence has been reported and the police fired tear gas as some protesters burnt the tires on the Triumphal Boulevard, the planned starting point of the protest and right next to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) in downtown Kinshasa.
According to local media, the police have stepped up security around the CENI headquarters.
The Congolese National Police (PNC), the national police force, accused the opposition of having minors during the protest. According to Blaise Kilimba Limba, police commissioner of Kinshasa, some minors were present at the protest and two police officers were injured.
“The organizers have put minors who are not supervised by their parents at the forefront. At some point, they will be arrested to justify the presence of children at the demonstration site,” he told the press.
According to partial results announced by CENI late Tuesday, Tshisekedi was leading the race with 78.98 percent of the vote counted, while Katumbi ranked in second place with 14.27 percent of the vote.
The results announced by CENI so far account for more than 6.1 million ballots out of around 44 million voters registered.
Full provisional election results are expected by Dec. 31. CENI has started to publish daily updates since Dec. 24.
Col. Deo Akiiki, Uganda’s military spokesperson, identified the dead cell leader as Musa Kamusi in a recorded statement Wednesday.
“Our troops hunting down ADF elements in Kibale National Park managed to kill one of the ADF leaders who has been terrorizing civilians in Kamwenge,” Akiiki said.
“One PK gun was found on him and one AK-47 gun with several rounds of ammunition were recovered,” he added.
The development comes a day after ADF rebels attacked and killed three civilians, including two children in Kamwenge.
Last week, the same rebels killed 10 people in the same district.
The army has kicked off the process of recruiting local defense units’ personnel to reinforce security in the area.
“Our forces are continuing to hunt down the ADF rebels who killed people in Kamwenge so that they are wiped out and other civilians can live in peace,” Akiiki said.
