The annual average inflation rate between November 2023 and November 2022 was 15.3 percent.
Figures released on Sunday indicate that in November 2023, ‘Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages’ rose by 17.5 percent annually but decreased by 3.3 percent monthly.
Transport increased by 8.3 percent annually and 0.2 percent monthly, while ‘Restaurants and Hotels’ increased by 6.4 percent annually and 0.2 percent monthly.
The data also reveals a 9.1 percent annual increase in “local products,” with a 1.4 percent monthly decrease, and a 9.3 percent annual increase in the prices of “imported products,” remaining stable monthly.
“Fresh products” experienced an 18.4 percent annual increase but decreased by 5.1 percent monthly. The “energy” category saw a 3.6 percent annual increase and a 1 percent monthly increase.
The “General Index excluding fresh products and energy” rose by 6.9 percent annually and 0.2 percent monthly.
The fire occurred after the ICRC convoy “violated an agreement with the Sudanese army by approaching our defensive positions accompanied by an armed vehicle belonging to the rebels,” the SAF’s spokesman said in a statement, expressing their regret over the incident.
Meanwhile, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Sunday accused the SAF of attacking the ICRC convoy, which, according to a statement by the RSF, has killed two people and injured another.
Sudan has been witnessing deadly clashes between the SAF and the RSF in Khartoum and other areas since April 15.
More than 12,000 people have been killed so far in the clashes, while 6.6 million others have been displaced inside and outside Sudan, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Lul Ruai Koang, the spokesperson of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces, told Xinhua on Sunday in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, that all the forces that had been deployed in December 2022, as part of the East African Community Regional Force, have been withdrawn from the North Kivu region of the DRC.
The withdrawal of the South Sudanese troops came after the East African Community announced on Nov. 25 that the DRC would not renew the mandate of the regional force beyond Dec. 8.
Since November 2022, this regional force, consisting of Kenyan, Ugandan, Burundian and South Sudanese elements, has been stationed in the eastern part of the DRC in response to conflicts between the DRC military and the March 23 Movement rebels.
The joint report by the Commonwealth Secretariat and YOUNGO, the children and youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), analysed 100 climate finance initiatives targeted at young people.
While it shows an increase in youth-focused climate finance, funds are mainly disbursed in small amounts, hindering large-scale youth-led climate action. In addition, the audit information provided by funders lacked full transparency, especially about beneficiaries and what projects were funded.
In response, the report calls for a fit-for-purpose approach to deploying climate finance for youth-led actions to remove existing barriers and ensure young people receive a fair share of support.
The proposed solutions include targeted reporting, a streamlined process for accessing funds with a focus on clear eligibility criteria, increased private sector support and new innovative financing sources.
Climate finance, a core part of the Paris Agreement, is provided to help developing countries cut greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
The report was launched at a side event, ‘Empowering Youth Leadership: Experiences from the Commonwealth in Access to Climate Finance, Capacity Building and Technology’ – hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat in partnership with the governments of Fiji and Zambia on 9 December 2023 during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).
Speaking at the event, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland KC, said: “Young people, who make up 60 per cent of Commonwealth citizens, are on the frontline of the climate crisis, living mostly in areas prone to extreme weather events.
“As a result, many are facing job losses, displacement, health issues and educational setbacks. In the face of adversity, the resilience of young people shines through as they harness their drive and talent to lead on powerful climate solutions.”
She added: “This report reveals the dire need to scale up financial support for young people and prevent them from being stuck in the vicious cycle of chasing funds. We must work together with young people to address the barriers they face in accessing climate finance and support them in scaling contributions to meeting climate targets. This is essential to our belief that youth-led action is integral to our pursuit for a sustainable future for all.”
During the event, participants shared their experiences on accessing climate finance, upskilling and leveraging technology to empower youth-led efforts in tackling the challenges posed by climate change, while examining ways to maximise existing opportunities
Collins Nzovu, Zambia’s Minister of Green Economy and Environment, said: “The future belongs to the children, and we should do everything possible to ensure we leave a liveable climate for them. We realise we need to pass the baton of leadership to the youth. We are increasing our support to the youth to take leadership which demonstrates our unwavering support for the Commonwealth Year of the Youth.”
The minister urged youth to use their energy, presence, connections and innovation to drive the change needed to save the planet.
In his remarks, Naipote Tako Katonitabua, Fiji’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, said: “The world is facing unprecedented impacts of climate change the global stocktake has shown us how far behind we are in our climate ambitions.”
“We need dramatic actions to benefit our climate and we need them now,” he added. “Youth inclusion at all levels in climate action including at political level is necessary to ensure the sustainability of our efforts.”
Sheen Tyagi, Research Director at YOUNGO’s Finance and Markets Working Group, said: “The seeds of environmental resilience are sown in the passion and innovation of youth. Investing in youth-led climate projects is not just an investment in the future; it’s a commitment to safeguarding our planet.”
She continued: “Climate finance directed towards our projects is the imperative bridge between aspirations and actionable change. The currency of change lies in climate finance for the youth, and to ensure a sustainable tomorrow, we need the unwavering support of governments, institutions, the private sector, communities, and every individual.”
During the event, Dr Ruth Kattumuri, Senior Director at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Economic Youth and Sustainable Development, announced this year’s winners of the Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition Award, which were:
‘Tragedy to Triumph: Biogas in Daria Nagar’ by Areebah Armin Ahsan
‘Mud-coated Walls and Sandy Dunes’ by Sarah Shahbaz Khan
‘Solar Concentrator for Sustainable Cooking Energy’ by Michael Okao, Darius Ogwang and Joshua Elem
‘EcoPower Adventure: Empowering Communities Through Interactive Learning’ by Michael Chiangi Gbagir
The ‘Availability of Climate Finance for Youth’ report will inform the Commonwealth Secretariat’s ongoing work, especially its Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub, which has supported small and vulnerable countries to access about $322 million of climate finance for projects to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Prof. Danson has over 30 years of Academic and Industrial Experience in the fields of Finance, Accounting, Audit Risk and Business Management. Having worked at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa for over 12 years and other Universities within and outside Kenya, he has acquired the ethos, experience and expertise required to promote and oversee Quality Teaching and Learning in Higher Learning Institutions, University Research and Innovations, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and Networking, which are the core functions of a University.
He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in Finance from Gulu University, a Public University in Uganda. He also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree with a Double Major Specialization in Accounting and Finance from University of Nairobi, Kenya and a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) Accounting Option Degree from University of Nairobi, Kenya. He is a Registered and Practicing Member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), a Registered and Practicing Member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (ICPAR) and a Registered Member and Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants of United Kingdom (ACCA-UK), with an Advanced Diploma in Accounting from the same Association.
He has taught and supervised research project/theses for Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs. Additionally, he has taught Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Finance and Accounting courses and supervised several PhD candidates. Prof. Danson has acted on several occasions as Director of Graduate School of Business at Catholic University of Eastern Africa and has conducted research and published widely in peered and referred Finance and Accounting journals and articles. He has attended many international conferences and workshops and has been an External Examiner for Mount Kigali University, Rwanda.
Musyoki is also a registered and practicing member of the Institute of Certified Investment and Financial Analyst of Kenya (ICIFA), a registered member of the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment of United Kingdom (MCSI-UK), a registered and certified public secretary by the Registration of Certified Public Secretaries Board of Kenya (RCPSB), a registered member of the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya (ICPS-K) and a member of the American Finance Association (AFA).
He was the Vice Chancellor and Professor of Finance at KIM University, in Kigali, after serving as Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, Research, Administration and Finance at the same university until November, 2019.
He was also the Acting Vice Chancellor and Associate Professor of Finance at University of Kigali, until March 2018. Prior to this, he was the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics and Research as well as an Associate Professor of Finance at the same University. Musyoki is a Research Professor with an independent research firm, Institute of Research Analysis.
The Board of Directors, management team, staff and students of University of Kigali have congratulated Musyoki on his appointment and committed to supporting his efforts in steering the affairs of UoK towards the achievement of its strategic goals.
As the East African Community (EAC) took steps to address security challenges in the Eastern DRC, the Burundian government made a controversial move by clandestinely deploying troops into the DRC.
This deployment is viewed as a breach of peace agreements designed to stabilize a region threatened by over 200 armed groups.
The Burundian army formed alliances with groups like Wazalendo and the FDLR, a terrorist organization comprised of individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. This alliance raises serious questions about Burundi’s commitment to the EAC’s strategy, which emphasizes political negotiations to resolve crises in the DRC.
Accusations have also surfaced about Burundi supporting the Congolese Army (FARDC) and its coalition, facing criticism for alleged atrocities against Congolese Tutsi. Reports from Kinshasa suggest that the Congolese government pays each Burundian soldier, with payments reportedly reaching $5,000 per month, to combat the M23—a group dedicated to defending the rights of Tutsi communities in the DRC.
Since November 29, Burundi has initiated the evacuation of its soldiers who were killed or injured in clashes with the M23 in North Kivu. While the Burundian government acknowledges approximately 60 deaths, credible sources suggest that the actual number could be higher.
Protests have erupted within the Burundian army and the national assembly against this intervention in the Congo, resulting in the arrest of senior officers.
On November 13, a meeting chaired by President Evariste Ndayishimiye at Ntare Rushatsi House confirmed the continued presence and reinforcement of Burundian troops in North Kivu. In addition to the initially deployed 2,000 soldiers, an additional 1,800 soldiers were sent to bolster these forces. The collaboration between the Burundian army and armed groups such as Wazalendo and the FDLR is particularly troubling, given their alleged involvement in atrocities against Congolese Tutsis.
It is essential to note that the alliance between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and the FDLR remains a central element in the conflict between Rwanda and the DRC.
Despite the withdrawal of the East African Community Rapid Deployment Capability (EACRF) troops from the DRC, Burundi maintains its military presence under the bilateral cooperation agreement signed with the Congo.
Analysts closely monitor this situation, questioning the real impact of the Burundian intervention on the resolution of the conflict.
In Rwanda, marriage regimes are provided for under law No: 27/2016 of 08/07/2016 governing matrimonial regimes, donations and succession.
Nonetheless there are advantages and disadvantages of each of the matrimonial regime in Rwanda and it is up to the couple to choose what can be most favorable for them take at each of the regimes.
{{Community of property regime}}
In this arrangement of marriage of community of property regime, the spouses intend to have joint ownership of property and the spouses shall select among themselves, who shall have the obligation of management of the common patrimony and they equally share the rights to monitor and to present.
The spouses are jointly held liable for the debts contracted before and after their marriage, this is a very crucial point to note as you make your choice on which marriage regime to legalize.
Where dissolution of a community of property regimes occurs either by divorce or changing the type of matrimonial regime, the spouses share equally the properties. assets and liabilities, court may as well order for deduction of the shares on each spouse for the value of damages caused by either spouse.
{{Advantages}}
{{ {Joint Ownership:} }} Both spouses share ownership of all property acquired during the marriage.
{{ {Equal Sharing: } }} Assets and liabilities are equally divided upon dissolution of the marriage, promoting fairness.
{{ {Unified Financial Responsibility:} }} Both spouses are jointly liable for debts, fostering shared financial responsibility.
{{Disadvantages}}
{ {{Shared Debts:}} } Both spouses are collectively responsible for debts, which may lead to financial strain if one spouse incurs significant liabilities.
{ {{Lack of Independence: }} } Limited financial autonomy for individual spouses as all assets are jointly owned.
{ {{Equal Sharing May Not Reflect Individual Contributions: }} } The equal division might not consider individual efforts or contributions to the marital property.
{{Limited community of property regime}}
A limited community of property regime implies that the spouse married under that regime shall only share the assets and debts that accrued when they are together right from the wedding day.
Under this regime of limited community of property, spouses manage the property based on the common agreement , they even have the same legal obligation to follow it up and act as legal representative of that common property.
{{Advantages}}
{ {{Selective Sharing: }} } Limited sharing of assets and debts, focusing only on those acquired during the marriage.
{ {{Individual Management:}} } Spouses have the flexibility to manage their personal assets independently.
{ {{Potential for Fairness: }} } Allows for a more nuanced distribution of assets and debts based on individual contributions.
{{Disadvantages}}
{ {{Complexity in Management:}} } Requires careful documentation and agreement on which assets and debts are shared.
{ {{Potential for Disputes:}} } Disputes may arise if there is ambiguity in the agreement regarding shared assets and debts.
{ {{Less Financial Integration: }} } Limited community may lead to less financial integration and shared responsibility.
{{Separation of property regime}}
Under the separation of property regime, the spouses take back their own property after divorce.
The property which the spouses previously owned jointly shall be considered to be equally owned unless there is proof that changes the whole facts as stated.
The regime of separation of property is a contract under which either spouses agree to contribute to the expenses of the household in proportion to their respective abilities while retaining the right of administration, enjoyment and free disposal of their personal property.
Each spouse is liable for the personal debts contracted before or after marriage unless the spouse has contracted such debts of the household.
The joint debt is paid by each spouse from his or her own property according to the arrangement they both agreed upon while contracting that debt.
When dissolution of separation of property of marriage occurs, due to divorce or change of marriage regime, both spouses take their properties independently without seeking for court clarification.
Various matrimonial regimes come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the following points aim to illuminate some of them.
{{Advantages:}}
{ {{Individual Ownership:}} } Each spouse retains ownership of their personal assets after divorce.
{ {{Financial Independence: }} } Spouses maintain financial independence, managing their assets and debts individually.
{ {{Clear Financial Boundaries:}} } Clearly defines each spouse’s financial responsibilities and ownership.
{{Disadvantages:}}
{ {{Unequal Contribution: }} } There might be unequal contributions to household expenses, potentially causing financial disparities.
{ {{Complex Financial Arrangements:}} } Requires careful planning and agreement on financial responsibilities.
{ {{Potential for Disputes:}} } Disputes may arise if there is ambiguity or disagreement regarding financial arrangements.
Choosing the most suitable regime depends on the couple’s financial goals, preferences, and level of trust and cooperation. Legal advice is essential to make an informed decision tailored to the couple’s specific circumstances.
“These include around 2,900 national organizations, 110 foreign organizations and more than 10 UN humanitarian agencies and regional organizations,” said the commission, pointing to the war’s negative impact on the humanitarian situation in the country.
It indicated that 85 percent of international aid workers had left Sudan due to growing risks.
On Thursday, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a statement that social instability, poor communications network, staff shortfall, and bureaucratic impediments have been affecting the delivery of humanitarian assistance in many parts of Sudan.
Sudan has been witnessing deadly clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum and other areas since April 15.
More than 12,000 people have been killed so far in the clashes, while 6.6 million others have been displaced inside and outside Sudan, according to the OCHA.
Bunyoni, a former general who assumed the role of Prime Minister in July 2020 but was dismissed in September 2022, faced the court session at the prison where he was held. His removal occurred shortly after President Evariste Ndayishimiye issued a warning about a potential coup against his administration.
The court, acting on prosecution requests, not only sentenced Bunyoni to life imprisonment but also directed the authorities to seize four houses, buildings, a land parcel, and 14 vehicles owned by him. Among the five others in the trial, the main co-defendants—a police colonel and a senior intelligence agent—received sentences ranging from three to 15 years, while a seventh defendant, a driver, was acquitted, according to the judicial source.
During the trial, the 51-year-old Bunyoni pleaded not guilty to all charges, citing a lack of evidence.
He was a prominent figure in the ruling CNDD-FDD party and a close ally of former President Pierre Nkurunziza.
