Known for her beauty and captivating performances, Hussey left an indelible mark on both cinema and television. According to reports, her passing is linked to cancer.
Hussey’s portrayal of Juliet earned her a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer at just 17 years old.
Despite the film’s critical acclaim, her role sparked controversy due to a brief topless love scene with co-star Leonard Whiting.
In recent years, she and Whiting sued Paramount over the scene, though the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed.
Beyond Romeo and Juliet, Hussey became a beloved figure in the horror genre.
She starred in the cult classic Black Christmas alongside Margot Kidder and John Saxon and appeared in other fan favorites such as It and Psycho IV.
Her voice acting roles, including Talia al Ghul in Superman: The Animated Series and characters in Star Wars video games, showcased her versatility.
In her personal life, Hussey married musician and actor David Glen Eisley in 1991. Together, they shared a family life marked by love and mutual support.
Hussey’s legacy endures through her timeless performances and contributions to film and television, inspiring new generations to discover her iconic work.
In December 2023, the Brussels Court of Assizes convicted Twahirwa of genocide, war crimes, intentional murder, and the rape of women, all of which he committed in Gatenga and Gikondo while he was a leader of the Interahamwe militia in 1994.
His lawyer, Me Vincent Lurquin, told the BBC that Twahirwa had recently been moved from prison to receive medical care at Saint-Luc Hospital in Brussels. Lurquin said he had visited him before his death and found him in critical condition.
He explained that Twahirwa had been suffering from cancer in his leg, a condition he developed after an accident in the 1980s. He also had diabetes, and his health deteriorated significantly during his time in prison.
During his trial, several witnesses testified about the atrocities Twahirwa committed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, including killing Tutsis and encouraging other militia members to rape Tutsi women.
Twahirwa was a cousin of Agathe Kanziga, the wife of former President Habyarimana.
The resolution, adopted on Friday with 14 votes in favor and one abstention by the United States, replaces the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
The move supports Somalia’s ongoing efforts to transition national security responsibilities to its own forces.
Under the mandate, African Union member states are authorized to deploy up to 12,626 personnel, including 1,040 police officers, until June 30, 2025.
By that date, the realignment of all AU troops from ATMIS to AUSSOM must be completed.
The mission will provide support to the Somali government in combating Al-Shabaab and other groups affiliated with the Islamic State.
The authorization will last for 12 months, marking a critical phase in Somalia’s path toward enhanced security and stability.
Illinois and Hawaii led the surge, with Illinois experiencing a 116.2% increase, driven by an influx of migrants in Chicago.
Migrants and asylum seekers made up over 13,600 people in emergency shelters across the region. Hawaii saw an 87% rise, with the aftermath of the Maui wildfires displacing thousands.
Massachusetts and New York reported increases exceeding 50%, with New York City noting that asylum seekers accounted for nearly 88% of its rise in sheltered homelessness.
Meanwhile, California remained home to nearly a quarter of the nation’s homeless population, with 66.3% of its homeless living in unsheltered conditions.
Family homelessness rose 39% nationwide, disproportionately affecting children and people identifying as Black or African American.
Experts point to the ongoing affordable housing crisis, the end of eviction moratoriums, and a lack of investment in housing solutions as key contributors to this alarming trend.
HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman emphasized the importance of evidence-based efforts to address homelessness, highlighting the urgency of tackling a crisis that continues to deepen across the country.
The mass escape occurred as the country grappled with widespread protests and violence after the ruling Frelimo party was declared the winner of the disputed October 9 elections.
The chaos began around midday, when violent demonstrations in the vicinity of the high-security prison ignited a rebellion among the inmates.
According to Mozambique’s police chief, Bernardino Rafael, prisoners seized weapons from guards and started releasing other detainees, including 29 convicted terrorists. The breach occurred after the prison wall was collapsed during the protests, allowing prisoners to flee.
In the aftermath, at least 33 inmates were killed, and 15 others were injured in clashes with security forces.
Videos shared on social media showed the moment when inmates fled the prison, with some hiding in nearby homes. Military personnel and prison guards swiftly captured some of the fugitives, though a number remain on the run.
“A curious fact is that in that prison we had 29 convicted terrorists, who they released. We are worried, as a country, as Mozambicans, as members of the defense and security forces,” said Rafael.
The police chief called on those who had escaped to surrender voluntarily while urging the public to stay vigilant.
The prison break is part of a broader wave of unrest that has swept through Mozambique in the wake of the contested election results.
Protests have raged across the country, with demonstrators targeting police stations, vehicles, and public infrastructure in response to the victory of Frelimo’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, who secured 65% of the vote. Opposition supporters, primarily from Venancio Mondlane’s camp, have fueled the violence, rejecting the election results.
The violence has drawn international concern, with the United Nations calling for an immediate halt to the bloodshed and urging all parties to engage in peaceful dialogue. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for legal redress and a resolution to the political crisis.
At the age of two, his family relocated to Chicago, USA, in search of safety and opportunities. That move, though daunting, set the stage for an extraordinary journey.
Rugamba grew up in a household where challenges were constant, but so was a deep-rooted sense of determination. His mother, Daniella Esperance Umutanguha, was the cornerstone of their survival.
A single parent raising ten children, including some she adopted after they were orphaned by the Genocide, Daniella’s life was a testament to resilience. She worked tirelessly while pursuing a nursing degree in a foreign country, often sacrificing her own needs to ensure her children had a future. Emmanuel often credits her strength as the inspiration behind his perseverance.
Sports entered Rugamba’s life almost by chance. His older siblings played basketball, but at just nine years old, he was too young to join them. To keep him occupied, Daniella signed him up for football.
It was a simple decision that would change the trajectory of his life. Rugamba quickly fell in love with the game, finding a sense of belonging on the field that extended beyond the boundaries of sport. Football became his escape, his passion, and his purpose.
As he grew, Rugamba’s talent and work ethic began to stand out. In high school, his coach, the late Tim Lavery, saw his potential early on. Lavery’s words, “If you keep playing like this, someone’s going to pay for your college,” became a driving force for the young athlete.
For him, football was more than a game; it was a lifeline. He realized that excelling on the field could provide a scholarship, easing the financial strain on his mother and opening doors to a brighter future.
Rugamba’s hard work paid off when he earned a scholarship to the University of Iowa, where he transitioned from wide receiver to cornerback. His versatility and determination on the field caught the attention of scouts.
Though he went undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns signed him as a free agent.
That moment was a culmination of years of perseverance. Becoming the first Rwandan to sign with the NFL was a milestone not just for Rugamba but for an entire community inspired by his journey.
Although his time with the Browns was brief, Rugamba’s resolve never wavered. He joined the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League in 2022, where he thrived. By 2023, he had earned a spot on the CFL West All-Star Team, solidifying his place as a standout athlete. His career trajectory underscores the value of persistence and adaptability, even in the face of setbacks.
Rugamba’s story is about more than his accomplishments on the field. It is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity. As a refugee who turned his struggles into motivation, he embodies hope for countless displaced people around the world.
For him, every achievement represents more than personal success—it is an opportunity to inspire others to dream big, regardless of their circumstances. The dream is to give back through mentorship programs, football camps, and initiatives that help youth unlock their potential.
The connection to his Rwandan heritage remains a vital part of his identity. Though he has yet to visit Rwanda, Rugamba carries his roots with pride. He envisions a future where American football is introduced to the country, providing young Rwandans with opportunities to excel in sports.
Off the field, Rugamba actively engages in outreach programs through the BC Lions, using his platform to mentor young athletes and share his story. He is determined to show that success is possible through hard work, faith, and perseverance.
His path from a refugee camp to NFL stardom is a story of hope, determination, and the unyielding belief that dreams can come true. As he continues to excel in his career, his legacy grows—not just as an athlete but as a symbol of resilience and possibility.
His journey inspires countless others to believe that no matter where they start, with enough courage and dedication, they can achieve greatness.
Facing political instability, economic hardships, and rising insecurity, the leaders issued a joint statement condemning widespread oppression, human rights violations, and the proliferation of illegal armed groups, including foreign mercenaries.
They demanded the immediate withdrawal of these forces, emphasizing the need to uphold democracy, restore fundamental rights, and end ethnic discrimination.
Both leaders also criticized the government’s governance, denouncing plans for constitutional reforms aimed at extending presidential terms indefinitely. They stressed that power is a temporary democratic trust, not a permanent entitlement.
The duo expressed solidarity with victims of the regime’s policies and arbitrary arrests, including journalists and activists. They urged international actors to break their silence and support Congolese efforts to reclaim freedom and democracy, highlighting atrocities in Goma, Lubumbashi, and Makala Prison.
While commending regional peace initiatives from Nairobi and Luanda, they stressed the importance of aligning solutions with the aspirations of ordinary Congolese citizens, who long for peace and justice.
Their declaration is a rallying cry for political and social forces opposing dictatorship to unite in pursuit of an inclusive, people-centered alternative. Both leaders vowed to continue consultations, building momentum to address poverty, corruption, and infrastructure decay while safeguarding national unity.
This symbolic meeting marks a critical step towards mobilizing Congolese voices and fostering a future rooted in peace, freedom, and democracy.
Held in Dakar, Senegal, the games saw Rwanda achieve remarkable success, winning a total of six medals: four gold and two silver.
The Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration secured two gold medals in men’s football and volleyball. The Rwanda Energy Group (REG) triumphed in women’s basketball, while the Rwanda Revenue Authority claimed victory in women’s volleyball.
Additionally, the University Teaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB) earned a silver medal in women’s basketball, and the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) won silver in men’s volleyball.
Minister Mukazayire has via X account celebrated these accomplishments and reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to excelling in sports.
“Sports among public servants, private sector entities, and civil society organizations is vital. It provides opportunities for competition and winning for Rwanda. Our goal is for Rwanda to become a model in sports while leveraging its potential for development,” she posted.
The next edition of the African Workers’ Games is set to take place in Algeria next year.
The collaboration focuses on providing loan guarantees through BDF, particularly for clients who lack sufficient collateral. The partnership agreement was signed on December 24, 2024.
The Managing Director of Atlantique Microfinance Plc, Mohamed Aarouch, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting that it would enable the institution to expand its customer base and foster mutual growth.
Mary Lambasha, the Deputy Managing Director of Atlantique Microfinance, emphasized that the agreement is a significant milestone in making financial services more accessible.
She pointed out that the partnership would benefit a wide range of clients, especially those with no collateral or insufficient assets, opening up opportunities for individuals who previously struggled to secure loans due to collateral limitations.
Munyeshyaka Vincent, the CEO of BDF, noted that the collaboration addresses a key challenge of lacking collateral faced by many customers.
He explained that the partnership would allow both institutions to serve a larger group of clients while also strengthening Atlantique Microfinance’s ability to provide loans to more individuals.
Additionally, the partnership is expected to help Atlantique Microfinance increase its client base, leading to a rise in available loan funds, which in turn supports the institution’s financial growth.
BDF will also offer financial management training to Atlantique Microfinance’s clients to help them fully capitalize on the benefits of the partnership.
Since its arrival in Rwanda in 2019, Atlantique Microfinance has built a strong reputation for promoting inclusive financial services. The institution is part of AMIFA Holdings, based in Morocco, which is affiliated with Banque Centrale Populaire du Maroc (Groupe BCP).
AMIFA Holdings operates in several other African countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Guinea, Madagascar, and Rwanda.
Atlantique Microfinance currently operates six branches in Rwanda and plans to open additional branches to further expand its presence.
The company’s headquarters are located in Nyarugenge District, at Yyussa City Center, also known as Makuza Peace Plaza.
The partnership focuses on capacity-building, innovation, and knowledge exchange, aligning with Rwanda’s ambition to become Africa’s leading technology hub.
The MoU was signed by Yves Iradukunda, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, and Jin Jinqing, the Managing Director of Huawei Technologies Rwanda.
The agreement aims to nurture digital talent through initiatives in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, and public services, with a special focus on empowering youth.
Iradukunda highlighted the Rwandan government’s dedication to fostering a technology-friendly environment for global companies such as Huawei, while simultaneously creating opportunities for young people.
He also mentioned that Kigali is positioning itself as a regional hub for proof-of-concept projects, promoting innovation to tackle Africa’s challenges.
Jinqing affirmed Huawei’s goal of nurturing thousands of ICT talents in the coming years by expanding collaborations with local partners, launching new training programs, and enhancing internship and recruitment initiatives.
The company also plans to tap into Rwanda’s university talent pool to develop solutions in areas like artificial intelligence, smart cities, and clean energy. Huawei will provide top-tier ICT training through the Huawei ICT Academy, competitions, and the LEAP Digital Talent program.
Huawei Technologies, founded in 1987 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, has over 200,000 employees across more than 170 countries.
In 2023, it earned over $100 billion, with a 34.3% growth in the first half of 2024, reaching $60 billion.
