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.
President Kagame has also given his consent to the retirement of five senior officers, 28 junior officers, and 60 other ranks. Additionally, six officers have been discharged on medical grounds, while seven have been granted retirement for various reasons. This information has been officially confirmed through a statement released by the RNP on September 27, 2023.
CG Emmanuel Gasana, one of the six commissioners granted retirement, served as the RNP Inspector General from October 19, 2009, until October 18, 2018, when he assumed the role of Governor of the Southern Province. Subsequently, he was appointed as the Governor of the Eastern Province, where he has been serving up to the present.
CP Emmanuel Butera, a retiree, previously held the position of Chief of Operations under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). He also commanded the RNP’s Counterterrorism Training Centre, located in Mayange, Bugesera District.
CP Vianney Nshimiyimana, another retiree, once served as the Commander of the Police Training School in Gishari.
CP Bruce Munyambo, who is also retiring, has had a distinguished career that included serving as the UNMISS Police Commissioner, as well as holding positions as the Commander of the Police Training School in Gishari and Commissioner in charge of operations.
ACP Damas Gatare, among those granted retirement, served as the Spokesperson of the RNP and as Commissioner of Community Policing.
And if you own a four-wheel, still I believe that you have crossed paths with these elegant rides while cruising within the city.
Whatever it is that you were doing or were going, and maybe you thought they were just new motorbike models on the market, allow me inform you that it’s not just a trend.
Instead, it is Rwanda’s way of curbing down on the carbon emission from these ‘fast’ and ‘convenient’ means of transport.
{{ICE motorcycles impact on climate change }}
According to Rwanda’s National Greenhouse Gas inventory (2018), taxi motorcycles are the second largest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions; estimated at 427. 45 gigaton (Gg) which is equivalent to 32.41% of emissions.
Thus, in 2021, the Government of Rwanda in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched a project to put more electric motorcycles on Rwanda’s roads, phasing out polluting Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) motorcycles.
{{Understanding the greenhouse and its effects}}
In simpler terms, a greenhouse is a building with glass walls and a glass roof used to grow plants.
Because of their design, the houses allow regulation of climatic conditions as they trap sunlight during the day, staying warm inside even in winter.
In the same way, the greenhouse gases produced by human activities trap heat in the atmosphere, making the earth warmer than it should be.
GreenHouse Gases (GHGs)
{{Carbon Dioxide: }} Carbon Dioxide is produced by human activities that involve the combustion of fossil fuels like coal, natural gas and oil.
These include; transportation, electricity and industrialisation. According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), “without carbon dioxide, earth’s natural greenhouse effect would be too weak to keep the average global surface temperature above freezing.” This is so because carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere for up to 1,000 years.
{{Methane:}} Although it stays in the atmosphere for just a decade, a lesser period than carbon dioxide, methane is said to be more efficient at trapping radiation than carbon dioxide.
The gas is produced by human activities such as; leaks from natural gas systems, agriculture( rearing animals), and other forms of land use.
{{Nitrous oxide:}} With a life span of 120 years in the earth’s atmosphere, nitrous oxide emissions are a result of nitrogen fertilisers and fuel combustion as well as wastewater treatment.
{{Why Rwanda is transitioning to electric motorcycles}}
According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, registered motorcycles in Rwanda exceed 100,000 with the majority being ICE.
In May 2020, Rwanda launched a ten-year climate action plan (Nationally Determined Contribution) to reduce 4.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide by 2030. Since ICE motorcycles contribute enormously to carbon emission endangering not only the environment, but also human lives, hence the transition to e-mobility.
With the help of Rwanda Electric Mobility (REM) Limited, the government embarked on a retrofitting pilot project to change ICE motorcycles to electric ones.
In addition, two electric motorcycle brands: Spiro and Ampersand were launched on the market to further strengthen the endeavours.
{{Why embrace electric motorcycles}}
{{Environmentally friendly:}}
By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, electric motorcycles play a vital role in combating climate change.
“While climate change cannot be stopped, we’ll need to reach carbon emissions by 2050 or sooner. Net zero means that no carbon is dumped into the atmosphere and is taken out”, emphasizes the Union of Concerned Scientists.
{{Less expenditure:}}
Speaking to IGIHE recently, Jules Samain, the CEO Spiro Motorcycles said that their motorbike taxi drivers report an increase in profits as running electric motorcycles is cheaper than the old-fashioned ICE motorcycles.
“Some MBTs have told us that their profits have risen from $6 a day to $11 or more,” he stated.
In addition, Spiro offers insurance, mobile phone contracts and other benefits to its riders.
{{Easy daily commuting}}
“Instead of having to make an early morning trip to the gas station when your bike is in the red zone, electric motorcycles allow you to simply plug in and charge up from the comfort of your own home”, said Mark Lindsell.
Furthermore, their easy sleek design paired with high functionality ensures a superior riding experience.
{{Less noise}}
Electric motorcycles not only reduce air pollution, but also noise pollution contributing to healthier and livable cities.
In addition, they are safer in traffic as one can hear the sounds around them.
“Gas motorcycles vibrate while you’re riding or waiting at the traffic lights. Although this issue is becoming better with newer models, that issue will never really go away,” said Mark Lindsell, an expert with electric motorcycles.
{{Low maintenance}}
Jules states that Spiro motorcycles are designed to offer high performance, durability and comfort. “They’re built to handle local terrains and climates effectively”, he remarked, adding that it’s what gives them a competitive edge.
Mark Lindsell also agrees, stating that all the motorcycles need is; “keep it charged, keep your tires pumped, make sure your brakes are working, check your chain, and enjoy the ride”.
{{Instant torque}}
Electric motors produce maximum torque from a standstill which means that electric motorcycles can accelerate immediately and smoothly.
{{Good health and lifestyle}}
Electric motorcycles are cleaner, cheaper to run and maintain than their gasoline counterparts, said Jules.
In 2019, President Paul Kagame shared a plan to convert Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) motorcycles to electric motorcycles.
Thereon, REM embraced Rwanda’s e-mobility vision and developed ‘unique features’ for its motorbike fleets.
In addition, they introduced retrofitting where old fashioned gasoline motorcycles are fully transformed into electric motorcycles.
“The COVID-19 pandemic, impacts of climate change and supply constraints due to the Ukrainian crisis that soared inflation and tightened monetary and financial conditions have exacerbated the existing vulnerabilities of many people in our regions,” Jean Luc Mastaki, the director of the UNECA sub-regional office for Central Africa, was quoted by a UNECA statement as saying.
Mastaki made these remarks during a four-day meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee of Senior Officials and Experts (ICSOE) for Central and Eastern Africa, jointly organized by the UNECA and the government of Burundi. The meeting opened Tuesday in Bujumbura, Burundi.
Mastaki called on participants in the ICSOE meeting to deliberate on tackling the main challenges facing eastern and central African countries, with the aim of boosting industrial and agricultural production with quality and environmental standards.
Mama Keita, the director of the UNECA sub-regional office for Eastern Africa, said that climate change, high food prices, and supply chain disruptions are causing hunger and malnutrition for millions in Central and Eastern Africa. Keita urged participants in the meeting to discuss ways to address the barriers to food security and the potential of digital food platforms, which can facilitate the easier and more cost-effective exchange of food products and information among producers, consumers, and traders.
According to the UNECA, the meeting brought together ministers and high-level policymakers, representatives of international organizations, private sector actors, youth representatives, UN officials, academics, and media practitioners from seven central and 14 eastern African countries, respectively.
The high-level meeting aims to establish Central and Eastern Africa as sources of quality products and investment destinations of choice, with the goal of accelerating industrialization, economic diversification, and strengthening food security, the UNECA said.
According to the UNECA, the meeting will discuss the current and future economic prospects of the central and eastern African regions, which are facing multiple economic and social challenges in the wake of recent global challenges.
The meeting is expected to propose policies, strategies and options to promote intra-African trade in order to increase the quantity and quality of production in the regions so as to strengthen food security, promote economic diversification and attract more investment, the UNECA said.
One dealer in polythene bags was arrested in Kinyinya village, Karambi cell of Ngarama sector, Gatsibo District, transporting about 40,000 pieces of the outlawed non-biodegradable plastic bags.
“On Monday , September 25, at about 6a.m, Police and local authorities intercepted two men in Ryeru village, Ryeru cell in Rwempasha sector, Nyagatare District, transporting 520,000 pieces of plastic bags on two motorcycles. They abandoned the motorcycles and the consignment of plastic bags, and fled,” Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said.
Later at about 2p.m, he added, Police and local leaders arrested a 33-year man in Ngarama, with 40,000 pieces of polythene bags. He intended to traffic them to Kigali.
Last week, Police in Nyagatare District also impounded a vehicle, which was transporting 540000 pieces of polythene bags.
SP Twizeyimana said that there are increased operations against traffickers of plastic bags and thanked the role of the public, who share information on those involved.
Manufacturing, use, importation or sale of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items are prohibited under article 3 of law N? 17/2019 of 10/08/2019 relating to the prohibition of manufacturing, importation, use, and sale of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items in Rwanda.
In article 10, any person, who imports plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items is liable to the dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items, and to an administrative fine equivalent to ten times the value of those plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items.
In article 11, a wholesaler of plastic carry bags and single use plastic items is liable to an administrative fine of Rwf700, 000 and dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items.
In article 12, a retailer of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items is liable to an administrative fine of Rwf300,000 and dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items.
The conference is being held in Nyamata, Bugesera District, and attended by 65 delegates from EAC member states.
In his remarks, Brig Gen J Baptist Ngiruwonsanga, the Head of the Rwandan delegation, welcomed delegates from EAC partner states to the conference. He reiterated Rwanda’s readiness and commitment to host the 13th EAC Armed Forces FTX Ushirikiano Imara 2024.
Col William Rusodoka, the representative of the EAC Secretary General said that the Initial Planning Conference is the second stage of planning process of EAC Exercise meant mainly to practice EAC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at operational and tactical levels in order to enhance the state of readiness and interoperability of EAC Partner States’ Armed Forces, Police, Civilian Components and other stakeholders in responding to complex security challenges.
The IPC is expected to consider exercise write-up, timelines, proposed budget on logistic support, Civil- Military Cooperation projects to be carried out during the conduct of the FTX. The Conference will also discuss administrative and logistics plan and conduct guided survey of the exercise sites.
The meeting is being held in accordance with Article 2 of the EAC Protocol on Cooperation in Defence Affairs and pursuant to the Defence Sector Calendar of activities.
Its curriculum now encompasses an array of medical courses, including Reflexology, Massage Therapy, Gym and Fitness Instruction, as well as comprehensive courses in Film Making and Television Production, spanning durations of three to six months.
With a belief that equipping students with the necessary tools and hands-on experience is pivotal to their success in vocational and technical fields, the school has invested in state-of-the-art equipment and emphasizes practical skill development to ensure students are well-prepared for real-world challenges.
Dr. Francis Habumugisha, CEO of Goodrich Group, shed light on the college’s inception, explaining that it was born out of a pressing need for improved skills in the industry.
“We noticed a deficit in the quality of services provided by professionals in these fields. Many massage therapists, whether in healthcare facilities or hospitality establishments, lacked the fundamental knowledge needed to perform their roles effectively.
Our approach begins with imparting a strong foundation in the human body’s structure and function, laying the groundwork for our specialized courses,” he remarked.
In the realm of film making and video production, Dr. Habumugisha emphasized the college’s commitment to excellence.
“We have equipped our students with modern equipment and offer them hands-on experience at our company’s television station, Goodrich TV. This practical exposure ensures that they graduate with the relevant skills and competencies demanded by the industry.
For instance, the shortage of control room technicians in Rwanda led us to provide this knowledge, ensuring that our graduates are readily employable both domestically and internationally.”
Patra Omamo, Director of Star Professional College, emphasized that these courses are not restricted to individuals with prior educational backgrounds in the field but are open to anyone eager to expand their knowledge and acquire new skills.
The college has bolstered its resources for both medical and film-related programs, employing expert instructors trained by the International Therapeutics Examination Council (ITEC London).
Omamo highlighted the college’s international connections, stating, “Through our collaboration with ITEC London, students at Star Professional College can earn international degrees and even pursue further education abroad.”
Registration for courses beginning in October 2023 is currently open. With a capacity to accommodate over 100 students, aspiring individuals are invited to join us on a journey of skill acquisition and professional growth at Star Professional College.
The cost of one kilogram of Gikungu variety potatoes has surged to an astounding Rwf2000, causing widespread disruptions in consumer patterns and raising concerns among the population.
Additionally, the price of Kinigi variety potatoes ranges from Rwf700 to Rwf800.
This price hike is unprecedented in Rwandan memory, prompting many to ponder the age-old adage, “time will tell.”
The surge in potato prices can be attributed to a delicate combination of climatic uncertainties and economic speculations. Historically, the northern and western regions of the country were known for their abundant potato production. However, the landscape has significantly transformed over time.
Apollinaire Karegeya, a respected farmer from the Musanze district, sheds light on the climatic dimension of the issue.
He points out that major climate disruptions, particularly in the Nyange and Kinigi areas, affected nearly 80% of the potato crops last May.
Flooding during that period wreaked havoc on these regions, exacerbating the potato shortage.
However, the challenges facing Rwanda’s potato market are not limited to climatic factors alone.
Testimonies gathered from local traders suggest that some of the potatoes sold in Kigali might be originating from Malawi, a country with which Rwanda has no direct trade agreements.
It has been reported that these products are being registered as Tanzanian before entering the Rwandan market through the Tunduma border post on the Tanzanian side.
Dr. Florence Uwamahoro, the Deputy Director General in charge of Agriculture Development at Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board (RAB), offers insights into another dimension of the problem.
She suggests that the current shortage is primarily a result of the choice of crop cycles. Dr. Uwamahoro remains optimistic about the future, emphasizing ongoing efforts to promote potato cultivation.
The Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), Dr. Ildefonse Musafiri, has disclosed that Rwanda’s annual potato consumption exceeds one million tonnes, while local production falls short at 700,000 tonnes.
This glaring gap necessitates imports, despite Rwanda’s considerable agricultural potential.
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Jean Chrysostome Ngabitsinze, acknowledges the decline in local production and confirms that the majority of potato imports come from Uganda and Kenya.
However, he expresses skepticism regarding allegations involving Malawi.
Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) has initiated an investigation to clarify the current state of the market.
Mrs. Béatrice Uwumukiza, RICA Director General, has said that the institution is committed to safeguarding the interests of Rwandan consumers during this uncertain period.
In this tense context, individuals like James Mudaheranwa, an agronomist at Seed Potato Fund (SPF), see an opportunity.
SPF has around 23 branches in ten districts that grow potatoes to help farmers in need of seeds.
According to Mudaheranwa, SPF can store up to 15 tonnes per year but stressed the need for farmers to be also actively involved in the storage of potatoes for themselves as a backup.
SPF aims to stabilize the market by providing high-quality seeds.
Mudaheranwa is confident that, despite the challenges, increased cooperation among stakeholders in the sector can ensure adequate potato production to meet the country’s needs.
