Yasutaka Yoneta, who is a member of the ministry’s Policy Research Institute, is suspected of placing his smartphone under the skirt of a woman in her 20s and taking a photo without consent. He has denied the charge, Kyodo News said, citing the police.
Yoneta photographed the woman’s underwear at around 10 a.m. local time on Oct. 23 while riding an escalator at Minami-Osawa Station in Hachioji, according to the police.
The police questioned Yoneta, who also serves as a specially appointed associate professor at Tokyo Metropolitan University, over a separate incident at the end of October, wherein the image was discovered on his phone, the report said.
While many countries saw a sharp rise in malaria cases in 2023, Rwanda’s malaria cases continued to decline.
In contrast to nations like Ethiopia, where malaria cases increased by 1.5 million due to ongoing conflicts, and Madagascar, which reported 1.2 million more cases due to extreme weather events, Rwanda recorded a 36% reduction in malaria cases, with 300,000 fewer cases in 2023 compared to 2022. This marks a consistent decrease in malaria cases over the past four years.
Between 2019 and 2023, Rwanda’s malaria cases dropped from 4.9 million to 749,000.
Several factors contributed to this decline, including a multisectoral approach that involved political engagement, local leadership ownership, and decentralization.
The government also strengthened malaria surveillance systems, using data to direct interventions to the most at-risk areas.
Key strategies included the implementation of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) in 12 high-endemic districts, widespread distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in areas with high and moderate transmission, and the introduction of new-generation nets to address pyrethroid resistance.
Access to malaria diagnostics and treatment was expanded, with community care now available for adults, alongside children. Public awareness campaigns promoting free malaria services, preventive measures, and community involvement further contributed to the reduction.
According to the Rwanda Biomedical Centre, malaria cases in Rwanda dropped by 88% from over five million cases in 2016/2017 to 623,000 in 2023. Malaria-related deaths also saw a significant decline, from 600 in 2016/2017 to just 51 in 2023.
Besides, the WHO recognizes Rwanda, along with Cabo Verde (which is now malaria-free), as one of the countries making significant strides toward achieving the 2025 malaria reduction target.
The latest raids hit missile bases in Battalion 107 near Zama and weapons warehouses in rural Tartus, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.
Earlier in the evening, an Israeli jet reportedly struck radar installations at the Deir Al-Zour Military Airport in eastern Syria.
Earlier Sunday, Israeli aircraft targeted former munitions depots dug into mountains in Rural Damascus, causing a series of powerful explosions.
There were no reports of casualties.
These attacks are part of an ongoing military campaign by Israel that began on December 8, targeting any remaining military capabilities linked to Syria’s former leadership, as the country’s new authorities are working to stabilize the country’s security situation.
The MoU, signed on December 16, 2024, during an official visit by Inspector General of Police Felix Namuhoranye to Ethiopia, also focuses on preventing threats to public security and fostering capacity building within both police institutions.
Today,
The Inspector General of Police, CG Felix Namuhoranye, is in Ethiopia for an official visit aimed at enhancing the relationship between the police institutions of both countries. CG Namuhoranye and his counterpart, CG Demelash Gebre Michael Weldeyes, signed a Memorandum… pic.twitter.com/3LxhyT5hln
In addition to the MoU signed with Ethiopia, Rwanda has forged similar agreements with several other countries to strengthen international cooperation in policing and security in recent years.
In October 2024, Rwanda signed an MoU with Qatar to support institutional development and address emerging security challenges.
In March 2024, Rwanda entered into an agreement with Dubai Police in the UAE, focusing on knowledge exchange in areas like counter-terrorism and forensic science.
Rwanda also strengthened its ties with Botswana in January 2024, targeting issues such as terrorism, human trafficking, cybercrime, and organized crime.
Rwanda’s commitment to regional security was further demonstrated in 2022 when it signed a cooperation agreement with the Central African Republic to combat transnational organized crime, terrorism, and other security threats.
The tax waiver is detailed in RRA’s annual report for 2023/24, which highlights the authority’s successful year, achieving its goals and fulfilling its mandate.
The authority collected a total of Frw2.639 trillion in taxes, contributing 14% to the country’s GDP and 53.3% to the national budget.
In the financial year under review, RRA collected Frw570.4 billion Frw in income tax, slightly below the target of Frw582.1 billion. It also collected Frw585 billion from profit taxes, Frw792 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT), and Frw159.2 billion from import duties.
The report further reveals that, as part of efforts to alleviate the tax burden on businesses and individuals, the government waived Frw127.5 billion Frw in taxes.
Key measures included the removal of taxes on electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as their associated equipment, the exemption of construction materials under the “Manufacture and Build to Recover Program (MBRP),” and an increase in the funds set aside by RRA to settle VAT claims for traders. This fund allocation increased from 12% to 15%.
Additionally, the report outlines that the government waived Frw27.5 billion in VAT rebates for traders. Tax exemptions on rice and maize amounted to Frw38.2 billion in forgone revenue, while the waiver for construction materials totaled Frw19.8 billion.
The government also waived Frw38.3 billion in taxes on electric cars and motorcycles. In a bid to promote the use of electric vehicles and reduce emissions from traditional cars, the government extended tax relief for importers of electric vehicles and motorcycles, allowing them to benefit from zero tariffs on imports. This measure is reviewed annually.
The report also reveals that in 2023/24, the government waived Frw40.3 billion in taxes related to electric vehicles and their equipment.
During the year, 3,687 electric and hybrid vehicles were imported, leading to tax relief of Frw38.3 billion. Additionally, 8,665 electric motorcycles were imported, resulting in a tax waiver of Frw1.9 billion. The government also waived Frw0.1 billion in taxes on related products.
On the other hand, vehicles imported from abroad are subject to a 25% import duty on the customs value, including the cost of goods, insurance, and freight (CIF), for vehicles valued up to $60,000. Vehicles exceeding this value are excluded from the tax exemptions.
RRA’s tax revenues have steadily increased in recent years. In 2018/19, the authority collected Frw1.423 trillion; in 2019/20, it collected Frw1.516 trillion; in 2020/21, Frw1.654 trillion; in 2021/22, Frw1.91 trillion; and in 2022/23, the total reached Frw2.333 trillion.
Earlier in the day, state news agency SUNA reported that a drone attack by the RSF on a market in the Awlad Al-Reef neighborhood in El Fasher killed more than 15 people and injured many others.
“The death toll from the massacre in the Awlad Al-Reef neighborhood in El Fasher has risen to 38,” the Coordination of Resistance Committees in El Fasher, a local non-governmental group, said in a statement.
The RSF has not commented on the incident.
Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, which began in mid-April 2023, has killed more than 28,700 people and displaced over 14 million in the country, according to international organizations.
Diego Leyva, 16, was detained after he called 911 on Saturday morning and told the police that he had killed his family at their residence in Belen, New Mexico, according to the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office.
The suspect has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder for the quadruple homicide of his family, said the police.
When police officers arrived, Leyva walked out of the residence with his hands in the air and was extremely intoxicated, local media reported.
Police then entered the residence and found four victims who appeared to have been shot dead.
It was later identified that the victims, aged from 14 to 42, were all family members of the teen suspect.
TRC Director General Masanja Kadogosa announced that a European manufacturer has been identified to supply the engines.
“The funds for the engines are already allocated in our budget. The procurement process is underway, and we anticipate acquiring the engines by next year,” Kadogosa said.
The hybrid engines are designed to switch between electricity and diesel seamlessly, ensuring operational continuity even during grid disruptions.
“Our SGR system is designed to accommodate both electric and diesel engines, ensuring operations remain unaffected,” he added.
TRC has also intensified efforts to safeguard SGR infrastructure. Collaboration with law enforcement has led to arrests for vandalism, though specific figures were not disclosed.
Kadogosa outlined plans to install CCTV cameras along the SGR corridor, especially in high-risk areas.
“Cameras have already been installed in some areas, and the remaining installations will commence soon,” he stated.
Hybrid locomotives utilize two energy sources—electricity and diesel. Under normal conditions, trains operate on electric power supplied via overhead wires. During power disruptions, they switch to diesel mode seamlessly, ensuring schedules remain on track. Some engines may include rechargeable batteries for added emergency power.
The SGR project is already transforming Tanzania’s transportation landscape. Since launching electric train services between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro in June 2024, and extending to Dodoma in August, TRC has generated Tsh30 billion ($12.9 million) in ticket sales by November 30.
The railway’s future phases aim to connect Dar es Salaam to Mwanza and Kigoma, spanning nearly 1,300 kilometers.
The Rwandan team secured the trophy after a hard-fought 3-2 victory against the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) team on Sunday, marking their first volleyball championship in the tournament’s history.
Entering the match unbeaten, having won all four of their previous games, Rwanda demonstrated resilience and skill. The game was closely contested, with both teams tied 2-2 in sets before Rwanda clinched the decisive tiebreak set to emerge victorious.
Their flawless performance throughout the tournament made them one of the standout teams at this year’s games.
The games, which began on December 6, 2024, were officially opened by Kenya’s President William Ruto.
They featured lawmakers from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Somalia, Rwanda, and South Sudan competing across various sports, including football, golf, volleyball, basketball, darts, netball, athletics, tug-of-war, and walking.
While Rwanda celebrated its volleyball triumph, Uganda dominated the overall medal standings, amassing an impressive haul of 9 gold, 10 silver, and 5 bronze medals.
The Ugandan delegation led the competition, surpassing host Kenya, which finished second with 3 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals. Tanzania secured third place with 2 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze medals. Rwanda placed fifth with one bronze medal overall, despite their volleyball success.
Uganda’s strength in tug-of-war, particularly in the women’s category, was a highlight of the tournament. The Ugandan women edged out Kenya 2-1 in a rain-soaked contest on Saturday, showcasing their superior strategy and resilience. Uganda also defeated Tanzania in a nail-biting 2-1 pull earlier in the day.
In the men’s tug-of-war, Uganda narrowly claimed the overall title with 13 points, followed by Tanzania with 12 points, while Kenya secured third place with 11 points.
Other standout performances included Kenya’s Simon Kang’ara, who clinched gold in the 1600m walk, outpacing Uganda’s Patrick Ocan with a time of 9:42.6.
The high level of competition drew praise from Mchezo Limited, the official sponsor of the games. Ivy Igunduura, Eastern Africa CSR and Partnerships Manager, lauded the resilience and mental toughness displayed, particularly in the women’s tug-of-war event.
The EALA Games, a significant platform for fostering regional unity, will conclude today Monday, December 16, 2024.
The reason cited was an alleged unexpected demand by Rwanda to engage in direct talks with M23 rebels, a claim firmly denied, stating that this issue had been consistently discussed since August 2024.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, who participated in ministerial-level discussions aimed at resolving the years-long conflict in eastern DRC and easing tensions with Rwanda, dismissed the claims by Tshisekedi’s office as blatant lies, saying the truth speaks for itself.
The DRC alleged that Rwanda raised the issue of direct talks with M23 on December 14, 2024, just a day before the two presidents were scheduled to meet.
However, Rwanda released a statement on December 15, clarifying that the summit ended without concrete resolutions because DRC refused to engage with M23, thereby nullifying the possibility of signing a peace agreement.
Minister Nduhungirehe further responded via social media that the M23 issue had not been unexpectedly introduced by Rwanda but was initiated by the mediator, Angola, which had included it in a draft peace agreement presented to both Rwanda and DRC presidents on August 11 and 12, 2024.
Following this, Angola, as the mediator, invited M23 representatives to Luanda between August 31 and September 3, 2024, where M23’s Secretary-General, Benjamin Mbonimpa, elaborated on the political grievances that prompted the group to take up arms.
During the fourth ministerial meeting on September 14, 2024, held in Luanda, Rwanda reiterated its call for direct political talks between the DRC government and M23 to find a sustainable solution to the conflict. This request was documented in the meeting’s resolutions.
The issue of talks between DRC and M23 resurfaced in a virtual meeting on November 26, 2024, involving foreign ministers from Rwanda, Angola, and DRC. At the meeting’s conclusion, the mediator requested Rwanda to submit its stance on the matter in writing.
The following day, November 27, 2024, Rwanda sent the requested document, proposing that “the government should engage in direct political talks with M23 to address the root causes of the conflict and find a lasting solution.”
On November 28, 2024, the mediator informed the Foreign Affairs Ministers of Rwanda and DRC that Angolan President João Lourenço had confirmed the M23 issue as the primary obstacle to finalizing the draft peace agreement.
In a letter dated November 29, 2024, Rwanda maintained its position, stating that it would not sign any peace agreement unless it included a provision requiring the DRC government to hold direct talks with M23 within a specified timeframe.
The mediator informed Rwanda on November 30, 2024, that DRC had agreed to engage in talks with M23 under the framework established during the Nairobi discussions.
However, despite this commitment, DRC subsequently engaged in international media campaigns portraying itself as ready for dialogue with Rwanda to restore peace in its eastern regions and resolve the nearly three-year-long tensions.
The DRC also pledged to collaborate with Rwanda in dismantling and repatriating fighters of the FDLR, a terrorist group, but unexpectedly became the reason for delaying the peace agreement that was to be signed by both countries’ leaders.
Since resuming hostilities against the Congolese army in late 2021, M23 has consistently expressed its desire for talks to address grievances, including the persecution of Tutsi Congolese.
The DRC had initially agreed to negotiate with M23 and other armed groups operating in its territory under a roadmap established by East African Community leaders during a summit in Nairobi in 2022.
M23 representatives initially participated in these talks but were expelled on the second day by Serge Tshibangu, a special envoy of President Tshisekedi, who accused them of reigniting the conflict.
The rebel group has since argued that excluding them from the Luanda talks is unjust, maintaining that it will not recognize any decisions made without their involvement.
