According to USA Today, his publicist confirmed the sad news on Thursday, revealing that Gambon, aged 82, succumbed to pneumonia.
A heartfelt statement released by his family, issued through their spokesperson, conveyed their profound grief: “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon. Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside.”
Michael Gambon assumed the role of Dumbledore in 2004, succeeding the late Richard Harris, who had originally portrayed the character. He commenced his magical journey as the revered mentor in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” and continued enchanting audiences until the epic conclusion, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.”
Throughout his illustrious career spanning over five decades, Gambon’s distinctive deep and resonant voice rendered him instantly recognizable on screen and stage alike.
Gambon’s foray into the world of theater began with his membership in the Royal National Theatre in London, where he emerged as a prominent figure. His breakthrough role came in 1980 when he took on the lead in “The Life of Galileo.” He subsequently graced numerous productions of William Shakespeare’s works, amassing three prestigious Olivier Awards for his contributions to London’s theater scene. In 1997, Gambon made his debut on Broadway, leaving an indelible mark on the international stage.
The esteemed actor embarked on his cinematic journey in 1965 with “Othello,” an adaptation of Shakespeare’s renowned tragedy. His repertoire expanded to include notable performances in films such as “The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover,” “The Insider,” “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” and “The King’s Speech,” which earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2011.
Gambon’s success extended seamlessly to the realm of television, where he clinched four BAFTA Awards for Best Actor for his outstanding roles in “The Singing Detective” (1986), “Wives and Daughters” (1999), “Longitude” (2000), and “Perfect Strangers” (2001). Additionally, he secured two Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
In 2017, the Irish Film & Television Academy bestowed upon him the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, a fitting tribute to an actor whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
This terrorist organization, comprised of individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, has long posed a disruptive force in the region. However, today, its influence is dwindling, and its ranks are weakening.
This terrorist group, reinforced by a coalition of fighters with blood on their hands from the atrocities committed during Genocide against the Tutsi, used to receive various forms of support from anti-Kigali factions.
However, this diverse alliance is now in decline. In the past, FDLR maintained a tacit partnership with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), but this collaboration has become more open, particularly in their engagements with the March 23 Movement (M23), which has been in conflict with Kinshasa, as recently reported by the United Nations (UN).
The testimonies of Staff Sergeant Uwiduhaye Marie Chantal offer valuable insights. She spent 25 years as a member of this terrorist group before her capture in December 2022 by M23 combatants in Rutshuru, North Kivu province. Her testimony sheds light on the FDLR’s decline, as she experienced it firsthand.
Recruited into the FDLR at the tender age of 13, after fleeing her home in Rubavu, Uwiduhaye initially harbored hopes of the resurgence of a genocidal ideology in Rwanda. However, that dream gradually faded over time.
Uwiduhaye, a mother of two children who have never known their homeland, shared her post-captivity experiences at the Mutobo rehabilitation center, situated in the Musanze district. Here, she and other former combatants receive civic training to facilitate their smooth reintegration into the community.
Her revelations, including the alleged support received from the Congolese government, particularly in the illicit charcoal trade in Virunga National Park and the provision of arms and ammunition in exchange for assistance to the FARDC, raise serious concerns.
She also sheds light on the internal discord within the FDLR, which has been exacerbated by ethnic rivalries and conflicting ambitions among various factions represented by figures such as Murwanashyaka Ignace, General Wilson Irategeka, and General Byiringiro Victor, known as Rumuri.
In Uwiduhaye’s perspective, the FDLR’s incapability to seize power in Rwanda is evident, especially since she believes that their alliance project with the FARDC, who are grappling with countering the M23 rebellion, is a descent into an inevitable catastrophe.
The FDLR, which once boasted 7,000 fighters in 2007, has seen its numbers dwindle to a range of 1,000 to 1,500 combatants by 2015. They continue to lose ground on the battlefield and are currently experiencing a significant reduction in their ranks.
This decline of the terrorist group appears to be a one-way journey into the annals of history. However, for Mrs. Marie Chantal Uwiduhaye, it represents hope for a return to lasting peace in the region.
Simultaneously, they offer guidance, suggesting courses of action and informing their clients about their legal rights. Through representation in court and the art of argumentation, lawyers effectively fulfill their roles as advocates.
{{Diverse specializations in the legal field}}
The legal profession encompasses various specialized areas, depending on the lawyer’s chosen field. Lawyers can specialize in intellectual property, business finance, mergers and acquisitions, environmental law, corporate law, or bankruptcy proceedings.
{{Daily activities in the legal arena}}
Lawyers engage in a range of daily activities, including advising and representing clients in court, liaising with clients and other stakeholders, conducting thorough legal research and analysis, interpreting laws and regulations, presenting facts both in writing and orally, and skillfully preparing and filing legal documents such as lawsuits, appeals, wills, contracts, and deeds.
{{Skills essential to lawyers or attorneys}}
Successful lawyers possess a repertoire of critical skills:
{{Analytical skills: }} Lawyers excel at sifting through extensive information to help clients navigate and resolve complex problems.
{{Interpersonal skills:}} Building trust and rapport with clients is paramount, as it encourages clients to share sensitive information related to their cases.
{{Problem-solving skills:}} Lawyers must demonstrate adept problem-solving abilities to formulate the most effective defense or recommendations.
{{Research skills:}} Proficiency in research is vital for providing clients with sound legal advice and representation.
{{Speaking skills:}} Lawyers are entrusted to articulate their clients’ positions persuasively in court, conveying evidence clearly to judges and juries.
{{Writing skills:}} Precision and specificity are essential when drafting legal documents such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.
{{Varied job titles}}
Job titles within the legal field include Attorney, Associate Attorney, Lawyer, Associate, Assistant Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General, City Attorney, County Attorney, Partner, and Assistant Counsel. Each of these titles signifies a unique position and set of responsibilities within the legal world, reflecting the varied and multifaceted nature of the legal field.
{{Educational requirements and career paths}}
To embark on a career as a lawyer or attorney, a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Law is essential. Legal professionals can find employment with government entities, private organizations, consulting firms, or establish their consulting practices.
Many law schools worldwide offer Bachelor’s, Master’s, and research programs in legal studies. Following a Bachelor’s degree, individuals may opt for further education, such as the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD), which bridges the gap between academic knowledge and clinical practice, imparting practical legal expertise. ILPD also offers continuing legal education across various legal domains.
{{Membership in the Rwanda Bar Association}}
For those aspiring to practice law in Rwanda, membership in the Rwanda Bar Association (RBA) is a prerequisite. The RBA serves as a professional organization responsible for legal representation and regulation, playing a pivotal role in administering justice and upholding the rule of law in Rwanda.
{{Access requirements for Rwanda Bar Association}}
To become a member of the Rwanda Bar Association (BAR), certain eligibility criteria must be met.
First and foremost, one must hold Rwandan nationality and possess a Bachelor’s degree in Law or an equivalent qualification.
Furthermore, they should hold a recognized certificate from the Institute of Legal Practice and Development or an equivalent institution.
It is also essential that the applicant has not been sentenced to a term of imprisonment exceeding six (6) months.
Successful completion of the Bar Association’s qualifying test is another prerequisite.
Lastly, individuals with convictions for genocide crimes or related offenses are not eligible to join the Rwanda Bar Association.
Foreigners, on the other hand, have the opportunity to practice law in Rwanda, provided they meet specific conditions. This can be done either under conditions of reciprocity or in accordance with international agreements.
{{The power of education}}
Education is the most potent tool governments wield to cultivate human capital. The foundation of education is laid early in life, but higher education transforms knowledge into a formidable asset. The future of any society hinges on the application of knowledge, and higher education equips us with the ability to question, comprehend arguments, and assimilate information.
{{The role of lawyers in society}}
Lawyers assume indispensable roles in society. They offer legal counsel, represent clients in court, draft legal documentation, ensure adherence to the law, uphold the rule of law, and contribute to legal reform. Lawyers also play a pivotal role in championing social justice, safeguarding human rights, and facilitating access to justice. Lawyers stand as integral pillars of our society, and their contributions are immeasurable. Consequently, it is paramount that we continue to recognize and value the invaluable work that lawyers undertake within our communities.
These individuals resided in Kamuvunyi Village, in Gacaca Cell, Rubengera Sector of Karongi District.
The heart-wrenching discovery occurred on Thursday, September 28th, when the siblings of the deceased young men noticed their absence and decided to break down the door, only to find them lifeless.
Authorities were swiftly alerted, with the executive secretary of Rubengera Sector, Médard Nkusi, confirming that both the Police and Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) arrived promptly at the scene to commence a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of death.
“While there is suspicion that a brazier may have been involved, we cannot definitively confirm this at present. RIB officers are actively conducting their investigation, and we eagerly await their findings,” stated Nkusi.
The two young men have been identified as Karim Niyomugabo, aged 17, and James Ishimwe, aged 20. Their bodies are to undergo postmortem examinations at Kibuye Hospital before being laid to rest.
Kenya hosted the three-day China-Africa Science and Technology Cooperation and Innovation for Social and Economic Benefits Symposium, which saw the participation of nearly 100 attendees, including policymakers and scientists. The symposium was organized by the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and the Chinese mission to the African Union.
One of the key highlights of the symposium was the adoption of an ambitious blueprint to enhance China-Africa scientific collaboration in strategic areas such as food systems transformation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable water resources management.
Mithika Linturi, Kenya’s cabinet secretary for agriculture and livestock development, noted during the symposium’s opening that African countries can benefit from sustained growth, food security, and green recovery by cooperating with China in the fields of science, research and innovation.
Linturi added that China’s competitive advantage in plant breeding can be applied in Africa to develop crop varieties that can withstand climatic stresses, diseases and pests.
Liu Weidong, director-general of the Bureau of International Cooperation at the CAS, said that a well-structured partnership between Chinese and African scientists is crucial for achieving the objectives of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, including food security and green growth.
He stressed that China-Africa cooperation in science, technology and innovation should address challenges related to the climate crisis, water stress, hunger and habitat depletion that are affecting the continent. Liu highlighted several flagship projects, such as botanical gardens and training in modern farming technologies, aimed at revitalizing China-Africa scientific collaboration.
On the sidelines of the Nairobi symposium Monday, a volume of the Flora of Kenya, which documents nearly 7,000 plant species from 223 families, was launched. This collaborative research project involved scientists from the CAS, the Sino-Kenya Joint Research Center, and the National Museums of Kenya.
Wang Qingfeng, director of the Sino-Africa Joint Research Center of the CAS and editor-in-chief of the Flora of Kenya, said that the publication’s launch marked the successful cooperation between Kenyan and Chinese scientists in shedding light on plant species and the ecosystem services they provide. Over the past decade, Chinese and Kenyan researchers have conducted extensive field investigations, discovered new species, and contributed to ongoing biodiversity conservation efforts.
Mahlet Teshome, the acting commissioner at the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation of the African Union Commission, expressed African states’ eagerness to enhance scientific cooperation with China under the Belt and Road Initiative as they strive for long-term socioeconomic transformation.
She emphasized that China-Africa cooperation in science, technology, innovation and applied research will support the continent’s food security agenda and benefit local communities engaged in conserving rare species.
The China-Africa scientific cooperation symposium, in a concluding communique adopted Wednesday, proposed promoting the adoption of technologies to reduce post-harvest losses prevalent on the continent. Additionally, scientists advocated for the introduction of hybrid rice, high-value fruits, the conservation of indigenous plant species, and the restoration of degraded land to address hunger and malnutrition in Africa.
Sofia Tesfazion, the director of resource mobilization at the African Agricultural Technology Foundation, called for the expansion of China-Africa scientific cooperation to include remote sensing, training, plant breeding and clean energy to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
The officers decorated include 160 of female-dominated Rwanda Formed Police Unit Three rotation five (RWAFPU3-5) operating in the capital Juba; 13 Individual Police Officers (IPOs) and UNMISS Police Chief of Operations, Commissioner of Police (CP) Felly Bahizi Rutagerura.
The Medal pinning ceremony was held at the RWAFPU3-5 base camp in Juba and presided over by UNMISS Police Commissioner, Madam Christine Fossen.
It was also attended by peacekeepers from other contributing countries as well as senior officers from South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS).
The RWAFPU3-5 is responsible for the protection of high profile UN officials, internally displaced persons, key installations and infrastructures. Other duties include public order management, patrols and escorts among others.
The IPOs serving as Police Advisors in community policing, operations, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, among others.
Madam Fossen expressed gratitude to Government of Rwanda for its commitment and effort in sustainable peace and security as one of the most Police Contributing Country (PCC).
She said: “I am glad to highlight that, the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) affirms peace and security efforts which are more sustainable when women are equal partners in prevention of violent conflict, delivery of relief and recovery efforts and in forging of the lasting peace.
That is why it is commendable and a great achievement for Rwanda Formed Police Unit 3-5 having 52% of female representation.”
Fossen lauded them for preserving the legacy left behind by their predecessors.
“You played crucial roles in the implementation of key objectives of the UNMISS mandate through different activities under the demanding nature of peacekeeping mission that often requires working in challenging environments and facing difficult situations,” she said.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Speciose Dusabe, the contingent commander for RWAFPU3-5, said that serving under UNMISS has been a vital experience that will continue to prevail even back home.
She thanked the decorated Police officers under her command, for the hard work, determination, discipline and commitment which guided them to act professionally.
SSP Dusabe also commended the UNMISS leadership, UNMISS staff and people of South Sudan for their support, encouragement and cooperation, which facilitated them to achieve mandated tasks since their deployment in November last year.
“We recognize the strong cooperation support extended to RWAFPU3-5 by all stakeholders, which made our day-to-day duties a success,” SSP Dusabe noted.
He takes over this role from Prof. Manasseh Nshuti, who has been appointed as a Senior Advisor in the President’s Office, in charge of special assignments.
Kabarebe, a retired four-star General who officially retired in August, previously held significant positions including Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff of the RDF, and Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security.
Francis Gatare has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), succeeding Clare Akamanzi.
Akamanzi had assumed the same position from Gatare in 2017, who had served in that capacity since 2014 before becoming the CEO of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB).
Gatare was subsequently appointed as the Senior Economic Advisor in the President’s Office in 2021.
Yvonne Umulisa has been appointed as the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister. Prior to this, Umulisa had served as the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Public Investments and Privatization, which was dissolved in August.
Additionally, Alphonse Rukaburandekwe has been appointed as the new Director General of the Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA), while Bonny Musefano has taken on the role of First Counsellor at the Rwandan Embassy in Tokyo, Japan.
The most recent incident took place on a Monday night around 8 p.m. on the White House grounds.
According to Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi, a Uniformed Division police officer had an encounter with Commander and was subsequently bitten. Fortunately, the injured officer received prompt medical attention on the scene and is reported to be in stable condition.
This latest episode adds to a growing list of biting incidents involving Commander, with records disclosed by the conservative group Judicial Watch in July revealing ten previous attacks on Secret Service officers. In one of these incidents, a Secret Service agent had to be hospitalized due to the severity of the bite.
According to Sky News, Commander became a part of the Biden family in December 2021, gifted to them after their other dog, Major, was sent to live with family friends due to a series of biting incidents. Sadly, a third Biden family dog, Champ, passed away in June 2021 at the age of 13.
Elizabeth Alexander, the communications director for First Lady Jill Biden, acknowledged the challenges faced by family pets in the White House environment. She stated, “As we’ve noted before, the White House can be a stressful environment for family pets, and the First Family continues to work on ways to help Commander handle the often unpredictable nature of the White House grounds.” Alexander expressed gratitude towards the Secret Service and Executive Residence staff for their commitment to the safety of the First Family and the nation.
In response to Commander’s previous biting incidents, the First Lady’s office announced plans to implement additional leash protocols and training for the dog, as well as establish designated areas for Commander to run and exercise. These measures are aimed at preventing future incidents and ensuring the safety of those working at the White House.
As the Biden family strives to address Commander’s behavior, these repeated incidents emphasize the unique challenges that pets face in the high-stress environment of the White House.
It was held under the theme: “Breaking barriers towards gender equality in professional policing.”
The convention provides a platform for the RNP leadership and senior government officials to engage female Police officers in matters pertaining their policing duties, achievements, challenges and way forward towards gender promotion and accomplishment of their tasks.
The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, while opening the convention, said that previously, when one mentioned the police, military or other security agencies, the first image that came to the mind of many, was men.
Effective government policies and programmes, she added, have given equal opportunities and rights to men and women, and that the RNP has made a positive step where the number of police officers has been increasing, and deployment to peace support operations to implement both local and international gender related protocols.
“A lot has been achieved and the bad attitude of underestimating the abilities of women and girls…is changing,” Minister Uwamariya said.
Today, women constitute at least 23 percent of the total RNP force.
“Despite the achievements, we want to continue to increase the role and number of women in maintaining security, to fight against any stereotype that the police is for men, including the fear of girls to participate in the police profession; to discuss what needs to be done so that women and girls further operate professionally without any hindrances,” the Minister said, adding that the Women Police Convention is one of the platforms to address any challenges.
She challenged female Police officers to excel in their work and to build a strong and safe Rwandan community as a pillar for sustainable development.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Felix Namuhoranye, said that the annual conference is organized in order to promote women and girls working in the police profession and to encourage them to improve in their daily professional responsibilities.
“RNP has made efforts to get more women and girls into the force and to go into decision-making bodies, to implement the national gender policies.
Today, they are station commanders, heads of departments, commissioners and deployed in peacekeeping missions,” IGP Namuhoranye said.
Rwanda maintains a female-dominated Formed Police Unit (FPU) contingent under the command of a female officer, serving in the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
The convention will explore key aspects related to the role of women in the context of gender equality in Rwanda; female Police officers in decision-making and command positions; force discipline and the role of female Police officers in enhancing professionalism and discipline; as well as gender equality strategies towards women empowerment.
IGP Namuhoranye urged female officers to always be professional in their duties and to take measures against any unprofessional habits that affects the image of the country and RNP in particular.
Dr. Jean Damascène Iyamuremye, Director of the Psychiatric Unit in the Mental Health Division at RBC, emphasizes that this surge is reflected in the growing number of cases being treated in hospitals throughout the country.
He underscores the direct correlation between the COVID-19 crisis and the escalation of suicide attempts.
A probe conducted by RBC in 2018 had previously revealed that 11.9% of Rwandans were grappling with severe depression, while 35% of survivors of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda were also affected by this condition. Additionally, young people aged 14 to 18 exhibit symptoms of mental disorders at a rate of 10%.
The 2021 report from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that approximately 703,000 people worldwide take their own lives each year, a figure of particular concern among individuals suffering from depression or substance abuse disorders.
WHO predicts that by 2030, depression-related disorders will become the leading cause of death globally.
In response to this crisis, Rwanda is intensifying its intervention efforts. An ad-hoc assistance center valued at Rwf2 billion has been constructed in Gasabo, and a mental health program in schools was initiated in 2020.
Dr. Iyamuremye holds an optimistic view regarding the impact of these initiatives in reducing cases of depression and suicide attempts.
