Investigators are conducting a criminal investigation into murder, terrorist acts, and the illegal circulation of weapons and ammunition “in connection with the death of two servicemen in the capital,” the committee said in a statement.
Earlier in the day, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of the Russian Armed Forces’ radiological, chemical and biological defense troops, and his assistant were killed by an explosion in a residential building in Moscow.
The committee had previously said it opened a criminal case, adding the blast occurred after the detonation of an explosive device planted in a scooter parked next to the entrance of the residential building.
Conducted in Musanze District on the farmlands of the Twizamure Cyuve cooperative, the study utilized technology to monitor climate and soil conditions. Results showed a productivity rate exceeding 75%.
Dr. Martin Kuradusenge, a lecturer at UR, College of Science and Technology and the principal investigator (PI) of this research, explained that the research provides farmers with valuable insights, enabling them to predict crop yields more effectively.
“We’re presenting the results of three years of research on agricultural forecasting using technology known as Internet of Things (IoT) that tracks climate conditions, such as rainfall, temperature, humidity, and soil moisture” he said.
“This technology works both in the air and the soil, offering farmers a clearer picture of what to expect in the upcoming growing season according to the growth stage of the crop. With this information, farmers can take proactive measures, especially when yield predictions are low and they need support from local authorities.”
Dr. Kuradusenge emphasized that while forecasting cannot be entirely precise due to its predictive nature, a success rate of 75% or higher is considered an achievement.
He confirmed that the research has already produced yield predictions above 75%, and continuous improvements will be made to increase accuracy over time, with a target of 90% or higher.
Therese Uwamahoro, President of the Twizamure Cyuve Cooperative, highlighted the practical benefits of the research.
“This research helps us make informed decisions on what crops to plant, based on the data we gather about our fields. It enables us to avoid losses and optimize our yields,” Uwamahoro said.
“Farming is not just a livelihood; it’s an integral part of national growth, and this partnership with UR is helping us understand seasonal forecasts for both dry and rainy periods,” she added.
Charlene Umuhoza, a student at UR, expressed how the research offered valuable knowledge that will benefit farmers.
“Through this research, I’ve learned how agricultural technology will help solve many of the challenges farmers face. We can apply this knowledge to improve productivity and meet market demands,” she noted.
SMART-CYPS (Smart Crop Yield Prediction System) is the title given to the technology used in this study involving IoT sensors placed in fields to collect data on climate and soil conditions.
This data provides farmers with comprehensive insights, enabling them to optimize farming practices based on their specific needs.
The outcomes of this research were also published in the international scientific journals and can be accessed using the following links: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/13/1/225 and https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43926-024-00079-0
The project aims to streamline fuel transportation to landlocked countries, reducing their dependence on trucking systems, which are costly, environmentally harmful, and prone to inefficiencies such as accidents and fuel spillages.
Currently, fuel to Uganda and Rwanda is transported by trucks from Eldoret or Kisumu, with a smaller share moved across Lake Victoria via vessels loaded at Kisumu Oil Jetty and unloaded at Entebbe.
This pipeline project was first conceptualized in 1995 but has faced delays for nearly three decades. Renewed momentum emerged in May 2024 when Presidents William Ruto of Kenya and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate on the pipeline.
Talks expanded further in July 2024 to include Rwanda and South Sudan, signaling the growing importance of regional integration in energy security.
A recent ministerial meeting held in Entebbe, Uganda, brought together energy officials led by Uganda’s Minister of State for Energy, Okaasai Sidronius, and Rwanda’s High Commission Charge d’Affaires, Ismael Baguma.
At the forum, Rwanda reaffirmed its commitment to the Northern Corridor Integration Projects (NCIP) framework, noting the pipeline’s potential to reduce fuel transportation costs and enhance energy security.
At the onset, the pipeline is envisioned to play a role in fostering economic growth, energy stability, and environmental sustainability for the region. According to analysts, the project is a critical step toward regional energy independence and long-term prosperity.
To fast-track progress, a Joint Technical Committee (JTC) was inaugurated to oversee the project’s planning and execution. The JTC is tasked with updating previous studies to ensure alignment with current needs and regional development goals.
The renewed Eldoret-Kampala-Kigali pipeline reflects the collaborative determination of the EAC member states to address energy challenges and unlock economic opportunities across the region.
In some advanced nations, nuclear power accounts for up to 20% of electricity production, while the rest comes from hydropower plants and other renewable energy sources.
On December 16, 2024, ministers from various countries responsible for energy met in Rwanda to discuss what African countries need to achieve self-sufficiency in nuclear-generated electricity.
Dr. Jimmy Gasore, Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, stated that Africa aims to accelerate its development using nuclear energy, which requires investments from partners and financial institutions.
“Many countries used nuclear power to advance their development. As Africans, we are now discussing with experts, including those from South Africa who already use this energy, to ask: What are the requirements? What are the risks, and how can we mitigate them? Most importantly, how can we harness nuclear energy to meet our needs?” he wondered.
Gasore confirmed that strategies are being developed to ensure Africa has sufficient energy for development within the next 30 years.
He underscored that achieving this goal requires boldness. “Many developed countries relied on nuclear energy. Why shouldn’t we adopt it to propel our progress?” he questioned
Generating nuclear energy requires significant investments, consideration under discussion “We are exploring how development partners, financial institutions, and other stakeholders can support Africa in this journey toward nuclear energy,” he said.
Another key requirement is advanced technical knowledge for Africans and Rwandans, which Gasore believes is attainable, given that some African countries like Egypt and South Africa are already using nuclear energy.
In recent years, Rwanda signed an agreement with Russia regarding the development of nuclear energy and the Minister confirmed that discussions are ongoing, as this is a long-term project.
Currently, Rwanda reports having sufficient energy to meet its domestic needs, but additional energy is continuously required to support economic growth, which increases daily demand.
During the 66th ECOWAS summit held in Abuja, Nigeria, on Sunday, December 15, 2024, regional leaders acknowledged the withdrawal notice submitted earlier this year by the three military-led nations.
While the official termination date is set for January 29, 2025, a six-month grace period was granted, making July 29, 2025, the final date for their exit.
ECOWAS leaders had hoped to find common ground during ongoing negotiations. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, tasked with spearheading talks alongside Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé, expressed cautious optimism but stopped short of guaranteeing success.
“The discussions remain open, and we will continue to engage in good faith until the final deadline,” President Faye stated.
The withdrawal comes amidst rising tensions between ECOWAS and the three countries, all of which are under military rule following coups that overthrew democratically elected governments.
In January, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger jointly announced their intention to leave, arguing that ECOWAS no longer reflects the founding ideals of regional cooperation.
While formal ties will be severed, the departing nations reassured that their exit does not signify complete isolation. They affirmed commitments to free movement of people and goods, maintaining trade and travel flows with neighboring states.
However, analysts warn that the departure could deal a blow to regional integration efforts, saying that the formation of the three nations’ alternative coalition, the Alliance of Sahel States, signals a desire for autonomy rather than hostility toward regional neighbors.
The situation has drawn comparisons to Mauritania’s exit from ECOWAS in 1999. Although it rejoined as an associate member in 2017, Mauritania’s withdrawal underscored how unresolved disputes can fracture regional alliances.
The pending exit of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger raises significant questions about ECOWAS’ influence and its future role in fostering regional stability. For now, the six-month extension offers a final opportunity for reconciliation before the bloc bids farewell to three of its key members.
The vote came after Scholz’s coalition government crumbled amid rising tensions and disagreements over budget priorities. Out of 733 lawmakers in the Bundestag, 394 voted against the chancellor, while 207 supported him and 116 abstained, leaving Scholz far short of the 367 votes needed for a majority.
The collapse of the coalition followed Scholz’s dismissal of Finance Minister Christian Lindner, leader of the pro-business Free Democratic Party (FDP), in November.
Lindner’s removal came as the three coalition parties; Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD), the FDP, and the Greens, failed to agree on billions of euros in spending cuts for the upcoming fiscal year.
Scholz accused Lindner of “unjustifiable obstruction” in blocking budget measures that included increased aid to Ukraine. “Shortsightedness might save money in the short term, but the mortgage on our future is unaffordable,” Scholz said, defending his spending priorities.
In response, Lindner criticized Scholz’s handling of Germany’s economy. “Olaf Scholz has consistently refused to prioritize economic recovery for our country,” Lindner stated. Following his dismissal, the FDP announced their decision to withdraw all ministers from Scholz’s government.
The Greens, however, chose to remain in the coalition despite expressing disappointment at the deepening political rift. They emphasized Germany’s need for stability in light of geopolitical pressures, particularly the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president.
With the elections now confirmed, Scholz has framed the vote as a critical choice for Germany’s future. He pledged significant investment in infrastructure while rejecting austerity measures advocated by conservatives.
On the other hand, Friedrich Merz, leader of the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Scholz’s main rival, criticized the chancellor for his “unsustainable” spending plans.
Merz has called for tighter fiscal policies and more military support for Ukraine, including the delivery of German-made Taurus missiles, something Scholz has firmly refused, warning of further escalation with Russia.
As Germany prepares for elections, opinion polls show the conservatives standing in a position. Scholz’s SPD trails behind the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), while the Greens sit in fourth place.
Amid economic uncertainty, growing far-right influence, and political fragmentation, the outcome of the February elections will set the direction for Germany’s leadership and its role in Europe in the next years.
According to RDB, the agreement signed with Harvey’s company, focuses on skills development in film, media, and education, alongside the promotion of health and wellness campaigns.
It also includes plans for establishing an academic institution under Melt Education.
On Thursday December 12, American comedian and television host Steve Harvey Harvey attended the unveiling of the first-ever FIA Level 2 Affordable Cross Car produced in Africa last week, marking his second trip to Rwanda in two months.
This project was developed in collaboration with Rwandan polytechnic students, the FIA, and the Rwanda Automobile Club.
The event held at Kigali Convention Centre also saw the presence of President Paul Kagame and the President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA).
During his earlier visit in November, Harvey discussed investment opportunities in Rwanda’s entertainment sector with President Paul Kagame.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the meeting aims to focus on advancing the readiness of the EASF for regional peace and stability.
The director of the EASF Secretariat, Brig Gen (Rtd) Kahuria Njema commended the expected strategic inputs from the EASF’s Experts Work Group before being forwarded to the next level of policy organs meeting.
Brig Gen Celestin Kanyamahanga, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), as the guest of honor warmly welcomed the delegates from EASF member states, and officiated the opening session of the six-day event under the theme ‘Two Decades of Commitment to Promote Regional Peace and Security’.
In his opening remarks, he encouraged the experts to work in groups to spare the efforts and deliver strong recommendations.
“I urge you to spare your efforts in your discussions to come up with well-thought-out recommendations. This is the only way that will be able to guide the policy organs in making decisions that enhance peace and security, not only in the region but also in Africa as a whole,” he said.
The EASF includes ten (10) member states, namely Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Soudan, and Uganda.
On December 12, 2024, the car was unveiled by President Paul Kagame and Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), in a ceremony that underscored Rwanda’s growing presence in the automotive sector.
In an interview with IGIHE, Dr. Mucyo expressed her excitement about the completion of the cross car, calling it a significant milestone for both the students and the institution.
“This project is a tremendous opportunity for Rwanda Polytechnic in its mission for skills development, as well as for creating technological solutions,” she said.
“It shows what our students and staff are capable of when they merge theoretical knowledge with practical application.”
The cross car project, designed to be both affordable and locally sourced, is aimed at lowering barriers to entry in motorsports.
Students and instructors from various disciplines collaborated in the design and construction of the vehicle, mainly using locally available materials, which significantly reduces reliance on international suppliers and import taxes.
“This achievement demonstrates the potential to manufacture this car in Rwanda. The fact that Rwandans were involved in its manufacturing highlights that the skills learned at school can be effectively applied in real-world production,” Dr. Mucyo noted.
“We will be able in the future to manufacture this cross car, which is very significant for the motorsports industry,” she added.
Dr. Mucyo also highlighted the broader implications for Rwanda Polytechnic and its future in the motorsports sector.
“It proves that our students can meet industry standards and address real-world challenges,” Dr. Mucyo added.
While the cost of materials was kept low through local sourcing, Dr. Mucyo acknowledged that some components, like the engine, were imported.
The cross car was completed in just one month, with the FIA providing a technician who worked closely with the students to guide them through the necessary specifications.
The car is the first in the world to be built using the blueprints delivered by the FIA to Member Clubs as part of the Affordable Cross Car project.
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.
