A statement by the council of ministers indicates that the mourning would begin at midnight on 20 December.
In a televised address on Thursday, President Filipe Nyusi expressed his condolences, offering support to the grieving families and affected communities.
He emphasized the government’s immediate focus on providing shelter, food, water, and other critical aid.
The cyclone devastated the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa, damaging over 36,000 homes, 49 healthcare facilities, and key infrastructure.
More than 182,000 people are impacted, with emergency shelters set up for over 1,300 displaced individuals. Humanitarian efforts are ongoing to address the crisis.
The walkout, spanning seven facilities in four states, came during the busiest delivery time in a year as Americans complete their Christmas shopping.
At a San Francisco distribution center, about 50 workers formed a picket line early Thursday morning. Dressed in high-visibility yellow vests, they carried signs reading “Amazon: obey the law” and “Amazon is unfair” and chanted slogans, demanding Amazon negotiate with their union — the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Among them was Leah Penslar, who wore an “Amazon Teamsters” beanie.
“The company needs to come to the bargaining table and negotiate a fair contract with us,” Penslar told NBC.
The strike occurred less than a week before Christmas when delivery networks faced their peak demands. Workers have taken action at delivery hubs including San Francisco, New York City, Atlanta and Skokie, with the union reporting picketing activities at hundreds more Amazon facilities nationwide.
“If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon’s insatiable greed. We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien in a statement posted on social media.
The situation developed after Amazon did not meet the union’s Dec. 15 deadline to begin negotiations. According to the union, nearly 10,000 Amazon workers joined its movement, demanding higher wages, better benefits, and improved workplace safety conditions.
However, Amazon disputed these claims.
“For more than a year now, the Teamsters have continued to intentionally misled the public — claiming that they represent thousands of Amazon employees and drivers,” said an Amazon spokesperson in a statement, “They don’t, and this is another attempt to push a false narrative.”
The company also said the union “threatened, intimidated and attempted to coerce” employees and third-party drivers to join their cause.
Despite the protests, Amazon maintained that the strike would have minimal impact on holiday deliveries. The striking workers represent a small portion of the retailing giant’s about 1.1 million U.S. employees.
While there may not be “a material impact” on deliveries, “it is possible there may be some isolated incidents of delay,” said Dan Romanoff, an analyst with the investment research firm Morningstar.
Delivery operations showed signs of slowdown in New York City, while operations in other cities remained largely unaffected. The company’s multiple locations in metropolitan areas serve as a buffer against potential disruptions.
Industry observers noted that Amazon’s extensive logistics network, built over years of rapid expansion, provides significant resilience against localized disruptions.
The strike reflected ongoing discussions about Amazon’s business practices and workers’ rights.
As the second-largest U.S. private employer after Walmart, Amazon often faces questions from unions who say the company’s focus on speed and efficiency can lead to workplace injuries.
The company maintains that it provides industry-leading wages and implements automation designed to reduce repetitive stress.
The company recently announced an investment of 2.2 billion U.S. dollars to raise the wages for employees at its fulfilment and transportation network. But union representatives said such measures did not fully address their concern about workplace conditions and job security.
Noting that the governance team of the sixth-term Macao SAR government is young and energetic with high morale, Xi expressed confidence that they will bear in mind their oath, fulfill their mission, be accountable to both the country and Macao, and deliver outstanding results that will make the nation, Macao and themselves proud.
In recent weeks, there have been reports of genocide survivors being targeted across various parts of the country.
These survivors have faced intimidation through unsigned documents, and some have had their property damaged or destroyed.
The growing trend of violence has been addressed by the country’s leadership, which has emphasized the need to hold those responsible accountable.
In an interview with IGIHE, Prof. Dusingizemungu, President of the Parliamentary Forum for the Prevention of Genocide, Denial, and Revisionism (AGPF), shared information that suggests some of the individuals involved in these recent violent acts are those who have completed their sentences for roles in the Genocide against the Tutsi but have failed to change.
“There are people who were convicted for their roles in the Genocide against the Tutsi, and while they have served their sentences, investigations and evidence suggest that some of them are still involved in such activities. It is clear that we need to put in more effort in preparing inmates for reintegration into society,” he said.
Rwanda plans to open a halfway home in February 2025 to help individuals nearing the end of their genocide-related sentences prepare for reintegration into society.
Prof. Dusingizemungu emphasized that those who have served their sentences, genuinely repented, admitted their crimes, and sought forgiveness pose no threat.
The real danger, he explained, lies with those who have never acknowledged their crimes and continue to harbor genocidal ideology.
“The problem lies with those who never admitted their crimes. These individuals are still clinging to genocidal ideology, and they are often behind the recent acts of violence against genocide survivors,” he said.
“This group requires special attention, and we must implement specific interventions to address them effectively.”
He also suggested that Rwanda’s approach to reintegrating returnees and former members of terrorist groups—an approach that includes educating them on government policies and national values—should be extended to those serving genocide-related sentences.
“These individuals should undergo similar orientations and guidance, preparing them through community-based activities like Umuganda , involving them in practical ways with their families and the local community. The goal is to ensure they are not isolated but integrated meaningfully into society,” he explained.
Prof. Dusingizemungu emphasized the importance of community involvement in this process, advocating for local residents to interact with these individuals before they return to their communities.
He further suggested that citizens should be informed about the returnees’ presence, helping them understand how to reintegrate former prisoners and prevent misunderstandings.
Statistics show that over 21,000 individuals are incarcerated for genocide-related crimes, with the majority never having repented.
These individuals have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from 25 to 30 years or even life sentences.
Prof. Dusingizemungu also pointed to the troubling involvement of youth in violence against genocide survivors, indicating that genocidal ideology persists in some families.
“This raises the question of whether genocidal ideology is being passed down from parents to their children. It shows that more efforts are needed to educate the youth on the history of the genocide, its consequences, and the importance of national unity,” he said.
Prof. Dusingizemungu emphasized that encouraging everyone to participate in community development activities is crucial for building a strong and cohesive nation.
Nsanzimana made this statement on the evening of December 18, 2024, during a memorial event organized to honor the deceased medics, with participation from Rwanda’s health sector.
The event, held in collaboration with the Rwanda Nurses and Midwives Union (RNMU), the Rwanda Medical Association (RMA), and the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), brought together health professionals, families, and friends of the fallen doctors.
The ceremony reflected on the legacy of these doctors, their dedication to saving lives, and their ultimate sacrifice.
The nine doctors who lost their lives to Marburg are; Dr. François Ntawuruhunga, Dr. Claudine Uzamukunda, Twahirwa Diogène, Mbabazi Joyce, Jean de Dieu Nduwamungu, Isabelle Ngenzi, Grace Uwanesheje Cyiza, Alice Dushimirimana and Schadrack Nambayisa.
Nsanzimana commended the bravery of health workers who fought against the outbreak, underscoring the extraordinary courage of these individuals who stayed committed to their duties despite the risks.
He highlighted that nine of the total number of 15 people who succumbed to the virus were healthcare workers.
He reassured the families of the deceased that the government is planning special measures to support them.
“The government has pledged to take concrete steps to support the families of the doctors who died battling Marburg by the end of December 2024. This initiative is a gesture of solidarity and recognition of their sacrifice.
Additionally, RSSB will explore extraordinary measures to assist these families, acknowledging the significant contributions of these professionals,” he said.
André Gitembagara, President of the Rwanda Nurses and Midwives Union (RNMU), expressed gratitude for the Ministry of Health’s leadership during the unexpected Marburg outbreak.
“We deeply appreciate the efforts of our colleagues in combating this virus. I received calls from nurses working in Marburg treatment centers expressing their fears, but the structured and organized approach in those facilities reassured them and strengthened their resolve to care for patients,” he said.
Gitembagara affirmed the commitment to continue supporting the families of the deceased and praised RSSB for standing with its members even after their passing.
The Director General of RSSB, Regis Rugemanshuro, assured the families that benefits due to them will be processed promptly to provide them with comfort and support.
The Ministry of Health noted that the 42-day period required to declare the outbreak eradicated concludes on December 19, 2024. It extended gratitude to all Rwandans for their dedication in overcoming the outbreak and reaffirmed the need for vigilance in the fight against future epidemics.
Launched by the East African Community (EAC) in April 2022, the Nairobi Process aimed to address the conflict in eastern DRC, with former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed as the mediator.
M23 representatives had initially attended the talks but were expelled by the DRC government, which accused them of reigniting fighting in the Rutshuru territory.
However, M23 denied the accusations, calling them an excuse to exclude the group from the dialogue.
Subsequent talks held in Luanda, Angola, and Rwanda urged the DRC to engage in direct dialogue with M23.
Initially, the DRC rejected this proposal but later indicated that if dialogue were to occur, it would be based on the Nairobi Process.
On December 20, 2024, M23’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, declared that the group would not engage in discussions that do not involve direct talks with the government of Kinshasa.
“Our organization reaffirms its commitment to peacefully resolving the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC through direct and sincere dialogue with the Kinshasa regime, in addressing the root causes of the conflict,” reads part of the statement.
“We also wish to clarify that our organization is not willing to participate in any dialogue with the militias and the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime,” the statement adds.
M23’s rejection of these talks comes as the group continues to control significant swaths of eastern DRC.
The announcement came Thursday, as health officials worked to address the outbreak in the remote Panzi region of Kwango Province.
First reported in late October 2024, the illness has caused 37 deaths in health facilities out of nearly 600 recorded cases, with an additional 44 community-level deaths still under investigation.
Symptoms of the illness include fever, headaches, and cough, and the outbreak has particularly affected children under five years old, who account for 40% of the cases.
“The working diagnosis now is malaria,” said Ngashi Ngongo, Africa CDC’s chief of staff, during an online briefing.
He emphasized that the situation has been worsened by severe malnutrition in the area, calling it a critical contributing factor to the high mortality rates.
The Panzi region, located about 700 kilometers southeast of the capital Kinshasa, is difficult to access due to poor infrastructure and the ongoing rainy season. With no functional laboratories in the area, samples must be sent to Kinshasa for testing, delaying confirmation of the diagnosis.
Compounding the challenge is the region’s high malnutrition rate—estimated at 61%—and a lack of essential resources such as clean drinking water, medicine, and healthcare facilities. These conditions have created a perfect storm for the spread of illness and increased vulnerability among the population.
While malaria is the leading hypothesis, Africa CDC has not ruled out other possibilities, including a viral hemorrhagic fever occurring alongside malaria. Earlier investigations ruled out COVID-19 but concluded that the illness affects the respiratory system.
Health authorities are also considering other potential culprits, such as measles, influenza, or pneumonia, with laboratory testing ongoing to confirm or rule out these diseases.
Although the World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed the global risk as low, local risks remain significant due to the proximity of the outbreak to Angola. Cross-border transmission concerns have prompted calls for enhanced coordination between the two nations to prevent further spread.
The DRC has also been grappling with mpox outbreak that has resulted in over 1,000 deaths.
The announcement by Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, follows 42 consecutive days without any new confirmed cases, as required by World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The last confirmed patient was discharged from the hospital on November 8, 2024.
Rwanda announced the Marburg virus outbreak on September 27, 2024. By the time the outbreak was declared over, the country had recorded 66 illnesses and 15 deaths.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, Dr. Nsanzimana acknowledged the progress made in containing the outbreak while expressing condolences for the lives lost.
“This is an important milestone for Rwanda’s public health system. While we mourn the lives lost, we are encouraged by the progress made. We have reached this point because of the dedication of our healthcare workers, the government, and our partners whose seamless collaboration and swift, coordinated action made it possible to contain the outbreak effectively,” the minister stated.
The Ministry of Health had earlier confirmed that the outbreak originated from a mining cave inhabited by fruit bats, a known reservoir of the Marburg virus.
Dr. Nsanzimana noted that the government will continue to strengthen surveillance systems to avert future outbreaks.
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From the onset of the outbreak, Rwanda’s government, healthcare workers, and international partners activated a robust response. A 24/7 command post was established to coordinate surveillance, testing, case management, vaccination, risk communication, and community engagement.
The country’s extensive network of nearly 60,000 community health workers was also instrumental in active case finding and monitoring contacts of infected individuals during the mandatory observation period.
In 2021 alone, mobile money transactions in the country reached a staggering RWF 10 trillion, a remarkable achievement for a nation still early in its economic transformation.
The rapid adoption of smartphones and increasing internet penetration have not gone unnoticed, with major fintech players, including leading Rwandan network providers, diversifying their offerings as the country moves toward a cashless economy.
However, challenges remain in the convenience and efficiency of mobile money services, including transaction monitoring, financial knowledge, and business financial management.
These gaps create the need for improved solutions that can streamline mobile money experiences.
This is where Faranga comes in, a mobile money payment solution designed to address these gaps by offering efficient financial tracking and self-accounting tools.
Proven to be faster and more effective than any currently available alternatives in the local market, Faranga simplifies financial management for its users.
Faranga enhances the mobile money experience with faster payments to saved contacts, location-based tracking of business codes, and precise financial monitoring.
It also encourages responsible financial behavior by providing users with weekly insights into their expenditures, comparing current spending with that of previous weeks and months.
By automatically tracking transactions, Faranga eliminates the need to sift through SMS messages for transaction confirmation.
Founded by Jonathan Sack, a young Rwandan software engineer with a background in sales, Faranga builds on the success of its predecessor, PressPay. PressPay, currently the highest-rated Rwandan app on the App Store, laid the foundation for Faranga, which has continued to simplify financial tasks and improve financial literacy.
Faranga is part of a larger movement aimed at driving financial inclusion across Africa. It leverages mobile phones and the internet to provide financial services to both urban and rural populations—communities often excluded from traditional banking systems.
With Rwanda’s focus on microfinance and local innovation, Faranga is poised to play a key role in maximizing entrepreneurship and income generation, positioning itself as a vital tool at the individual, community, and national levels.
Looking to the future, Faranga will continue to play an integral role in financial inclusion, contributing to economic growth as mobile money evolves. The app’s simple and accessible features are designed to empower millions across Africa, helping pave the way for a borderless financial future with Rwanda leading the charge.
As the mobile money sector expands, Faranga will leverage Rwanda’s welcoming environment for homegrown solutions, particularly in financial technology, to expand its reach and maximize its impact on both national and continental communities.
With the increasing penetration of mobile phones and internet access, mobile money solutions like Faranga will be essential in providing financial services to underserved populations, driving economic development across Africa.
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