It has been the first protest by Malta’s farming sector since 1982, which was organized by the Active Farmers Association and supported by other sectors in the food chain.
Protesting farmers attached banners to their tractors, reading “No farmer, eat synthetic,” “EU kills its own farmers” and “Green deal? No deal,” to show their support for peers in other European Union (EU) countries like Belgium, France and Germany.
Maltese farmer Pauline Pisani told Xinhua that “unless Maltese farmers stood up for their rights, no one will.”
Farmer Karmenu Vassallo said: “We’re here because we’re fed up with working for nothing. Our costs have increased but we’re forgotten. Without us, there will be no food on the table”.
Prime Minister Robert Abela showed up at the protest and talked with the farmers, but did not make any statement.
“We already finding it difficult to compete with larger European producers because they have much more land than us,” said Malcolm Borg from the Active Farmers Association.
He said that food producers from third countries do not have to adhere to as stringent regulations as those imposed by the EU, therefore they have lower production costs.
He also blamed the state aid rules imposed by the EU, which frequently hinder national governments from aiding farmers in need. Furthermore, he called for a relaxation of these rules, allowing governments greater flexibility to support and enhance the competitiveness of their agricultural sectors.
One of the suspects was on the list of major traffickers of the outlawed skin whitening oils and creams, according to Superintendent of Police (SP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region.
The second suspect, a woman, he added, had turned her house located in Mushoko Village, Rwaza Cell, in Rugerero Sector; into a store for the illegal cosmetics smuggled into Rwanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through porous borders.
“The anti-smuggling unit in Rubavu had credible information on the house in Rugerero used by identified major supplier of bleaching products, which he sneaks into the country from DRC.
The owner of the house was arrested at the scene and the ringleader was traced and taken into custody shortly after,” SP Karekezi said.
He added that these are some of the operations aimed at breaking chains of supply.
Last year in June, a man suspected of being part of the group that traffics the outlawed skin bleaching cosmetics was also arrested in City of Kigali, Nyarugenge District.
Article 266 of the law determining offenses and penalties in general, states that any person, who produces, sells, or prescribes harmful products; cosmetics or body hygiene substance or any other products derived from plants, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and not more than two years and a fine of not less than Rwf3 million and not more than Rwf5 million or one of these penalties.
FAO said that global cereal production was seen on track to an all-time high of over 2.83 billion tonnes last year, up 1.2 percent from 2022. The increases were attributed to strong growing conditions, expanded land use, and improved efficiency.
This allows the global cereal stocks ratio to climb to 31.1 percent for the 2023-24 growing season, up from 30.9 percent for 2022-23, providing downward pressure on prices.
FAO’s overall food price index was down one percent in January compared to December and it was 10.4 percent below levels from the same period of last year.
Prices for grains and cereals, the largest component in the index, declined by 2.2 percent.
Meanwhile, meat prices were 1.4 percent lower than the level in December thanks to strong output from major producers. Sugar prices rose 0.8 percent amid worries that heavy rain in Brazil, the world’s leading sugar producer, could cut production.
Despite higher demands from Asian markets, FAO said dairy prices remained almost unchanged compared to the previous month thanks to higher output elsewhere.
Prices for vegetable oils rose by a modest 0.1 percent, but remained 12.8 percent below levels from a year earlier, said FAO.
Upon reaching the hotel, the person in charge greeted him, inquiring about his food preference. Nsengiyumva shared his choice, emphasizing the need for prompt service due to pre-existing plans. To his dismay, more than an hour passed with no sign of his meal. Frustrated, he sought out the attendant, who admitted, “I’m sorry, I forgot; let me see how I can expedite it.”
Disheartened, Nsengiyumva left the hotel, the disappointment lingering as he proceeded with his plans. This unfavorable encounter triggered reflections on past instances of subpar service in various establishments, prompting him to scrutinize the service industry further.
Experiencing similar letdowns in subsequent days, he felt compelled to address the issue. Thus, ‘Supra Events’ was born, a company aimed at enhancing services in tourism and hospitality. Nsengiyumva expressed his motivation, “After witnessing recurrent service lapses and hearing complaints about the waiting department in Rwanda, it became apparent that there’s a knowledge and training gap.”
Concerned about the insufficient delivery of services, he decided to contribute by bolstering the skills of those working in the sector. He explained, “Supra Events’ is geared towards inspection, training, capacity building, and other initiatives to elevate service standards.”
Observing the contrast in service provision abroad, Nsengiyumva highlighted the discrepancy. “In Europe, one person can efficiently serve 30 people, whereas in Rwanda, ten workers often struggle to do the same.”
Conducting a thorough examination of service delivery in the hospitality sector, ‘Supra Events’ identified gaps in knowledge among the workforce. Nsengiyumva emphasized the center’s commitment to training, stating, “We want to bridge the gap by imparting knowledge from experts in the field, fostering professionalism among the youth.”
Recognizing the economic significance of the tourism and hospitality sector, Nsengiyumva cited statistics from Rwanda Development (RDB), where the country earned $247 million in the first half of 2023.
Additionally, Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) reported a $91 million revenue boost in 2023, attributable to international conferences and events hosted by Rwanda.
The delegation led by Alhaji Sarjoh Bah, director of conflict management within the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department of the AU Commission, said the AU will ensure there is no security vacuum in Somalia as preparations begin for Phase Three drawdown of a further 4,000 troops by June.
“We remain committed to ensuring that, number one, we stick to the timelines of the drawdown. Of course, we have had two extensions in the last two drawdowns,” Bah said in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. “And so, except in situations of force majeure, we remain determined and resolute in ensuring that by Dec. 31, 2024, we will have completed the drawdown.”
The focus of the AU team’s engagements was to outline the modalities for a seamless transition of security responsibilities from the AU Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to Somali security forces and post-ATMIS security arrangements.
During the meetings, the delegation reflected on the lessons learned from both Phase One and Two drawdowns, the forthcoming Phase Three in June, which requires a further drawdown of 4,000 troops, and the subsequent phase after ATMIS ends on Dec. 31.
Bah stated that the AU will be flexible and consider any challenges that may arise for a seamless transition and to ensure there are no security gaps. “We want to ensure that the configuration, whatever it looks like, whatever its posture, whatever its mandate, is informed by a very comprehensive security assessment that focuses on the threats and other variables,” Bah said.
The AU delegation also engaged with UN officials, international partners, ambassadors from ATMIS Troop Contributing Countries, and representatives from civil society.
The delegation will submit a report to the African Union Peace and Security Council and the UN Security Council. The document will outline the parameters for a post-ATMIS security configuration in January 2025.
Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura said the fire, which started at around 11:30 p.m. Thursday local time (2030 GMT), was caused by a truck loaded with gas cylinders that exploded, igniting a huge fireball that spread to a warehouse and a neighborhood nearby.
A flying gas cylinder hit a garments and textiles warehouse, burning it down, Mwaura said in a statement.
He said the fire also damaged several vehicles and commercial properties, including many small and medium-sized businesses, in the Embakasi neighborhood.
“Sadly, residential houses in the neighborhood also caught fire, with a good number of residents still inside as it was late at night,” Mwaura added.
Embakasi police commander Wesley Kimeto confirmed the death toll, saying one adult and a minor had died in the hospital, and that the number of casualties may increase later.
A video posted on social media showed a huge fire raging close to blocks of flats.
The Kenya Red Cross Society said a total of 271 individuals have been successfully evacuated to several health facilities in Nairobi.
The latest incident came after a fire broke out on Tuesday night near a local stadium in downtown Nairobi, injuring four people.
HWPL is conducting ‘Peace Educator Training’ for educators from various countries to cultivate peace citizens with qualities such as gratitude, consideration, sacrifice, forgiveness, and respect based on love. This program aims to train experts in peace education who can instill the values of peace in individuals.
This peace teacher training, starting on January 26, 2024, is scheduled to run until February 24, 2024, with five sessions held at 9 p.m. Korean time over approximately five weeks. Conducted through online ZOOM meetings, the training involves around 50 participants, including professors, principals, teachers, researchers, organization leaders, and students from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions in Cameroon, Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Sudan, South Sudan, Burundi, Myanmar, Vietnam, India and Laos.
HWPL Peace Education is an education that fosters citizens of peace with the value and spirit of peace. values and spirits based on peace. There is no place under heaven and earth that is more beautiful and better to live in than the Earth.
However, many people are suffering from war, famine, a gap between the rich and the poor, environmental pollution, and more all over the world due to human greed and selfishness. Such reality that humanity faces still remains a problem to be solved and is being passed on to the future generations.
Therefore, HWPL proposed peace education as a way to leave a beautiful world of peace as a legacy for the future generations and is implementing the “Peace Educator Training Program” worldwide, targeting educators, to equip them with the knowledge of 12 curricula regarding the meaning, values, and qualifications of peace, enabling them to teach these concepts to students.
Training a rising generation as citizens of peace is more important than anything else to transform the future of the global community into a better world. In order for such future leaders to be born, education must be provided to students at school on topics such as peaceful attitudes, values, and experiences so that they can practice them in society.
The HWPL Peace Education curriculum is divided into two parts: Part 1 and Part 2. Just as everything in nature possesses unique forms and characteristics, their harmonious integration creates a beautiful landscape. Understanding the principles of ‘respect for diversity and harmony’ and ‘cooperation and coexistence,’ inherent in nature, can lead the human world to progress within the realms of harmony and beauty.
In Part 1, participants learn about the process where individuals with diverse backgrounds, including different races, religions, cultures, nationalities, ideologies, and appearances, come together to form orderly and harmonious relationships. They also delve into the true meaning and value of peace.
In Part 2, students learn practical ways to live harmoniously not only with their families and neighbors but also with people from all around the world and local communities. This part focuses on nurturing the right values and character needed to peacefully coexist with others as peace citizens, resolving all issues amicably.
Currently, there are 1,633 HWPL Peace Educators in 65 countries, actively implementing peace education and spreading a culture of peace worldwide.
Gafurafura Claver, aged 47, was pulled out alive on Thursday, having been trapped under a steep rock for 28 hours. Unfortunately, his friend, Niyonsaba Eric, aged 43, was retrieved lifeless on the same day the incident happened.
Dr. Nahayo Sylvère, the Mayor of Kamonyi District, confirmed to IGIHE that one of the victims was rescued alive.
He urged residents to avoid engaging in illegal mining and quarrying, particularly during the rainy season, emphasizing the importance of preventing the loss of life.
Ships are loaded with goods destined for neighboring countries, while merchants and customers prepare for transactions that promise mutual benefits. Amidst this lively atmosphere, dreams of development are fervently articulated.
A recent addition to Lake Kivu’s shores, in the Rubavu District, stands a new port designed to streamline the transportation of goods to neighboring countries and the Western Province. Four colossal cargo ships, each capable of carrying luggage equivalent to approximately 20 trucks, dominate the port between 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM. One such ship, named Noah, has already been loaded, with 15 dockers busy packing plastic materials nearby.
As the ships jostle for space, the port showcases a blend of old and new. Modern buildings surround the area, signaling a shift towards enhanced facilities for the loading and unloading of goods. The port boasts a width exceeding 220 meters, equipped with 12 large piers for accommodating substantial cargo ships and additional spaces for smaller vessels.
Efficient logistics are apparent, with designated areas for cargo and private vehicles to enter and exit. The completion of construction work is evident, as the Rubavu District Executive Secretary, Ruhamyambuga Olivier, highlights the imminent opening of the new port buildings. These facilities are poised to usher in a new era of trade, facilitating the movement of goods between Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and other countries.
Ruhamyambuga emphasizes the strategic location of the port, facilitating trade with neighboring countries through Lake Kivu. He underscores the preference of Congolese traders for this route, citing proximity and cost-efficiency as driving factors. The port aims to reduce transportation costs for goods destined for Rwanda’s growing industries from ports like Tanzania and Mombasa.
Announcing the port’s status as a modern international facility, Ruhamyambuga envisions it connecting Rwanda with the East African and Great Lakes region. “We have completed a very large, modern international port, which meets the requirements, which connects us with the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” he states. The completed port is expected to enhance economic prospects for the Rubavu region and the nation as a whole.
Despite an initially estimated budget of 7 billion Frw, recent information suggests a significant increase in costs. Nevertheless, with its modern infrastructure, strategic location, and international connectivity, the Lake Kivu port emerges as a pivotal hub for trade, poised to catalyze economic development in Rwanda and beyond.
The incident occurred in Gakukumbu village, Kabilizi cell, Rugerero sector, on February 01, 2024. Following the Hero’s Day event, rain accompanied by lightning struck the area in the afternoon.
The Executive Secretary of Rugerero Sector, Nsabimana Mvano Etienne, noted that the area is not typically prone to lightning strikes.
He emphasized the importance of caution during rainy weather, advising people to stay away from metal structures, avoid taking shelter under trees, and refrain from activities that might expose them to the risk of lightning strikes.
Initially, reports suggested that two people were killed by lightning in the sector. However, authorities later clarified that only one person died.
Prompt action by the district administration led to the grandmother being transported to Gisenyi Hospital for medical attention.
Global statistics indicate that lightning claims over 24,000 lives and injures more than 240,000 people annually. The Rwandan government urges citizens to avoid seeking shelter under trees during the rainy season and to refrain from using electrical appliances in such weather, as it heightens the risk of lightning strikes.
Additionally, public establishments like schools, churches, and other authorities are encouraged to install lightning protection measures to minimize the chances of lightning-related incidents.
