The rescued migrants include 19,075 men, 1,089 women and 678 children, IOM said.
Also, 514 migrants died and 865 others went missing off the Libyan coast on the Central Mediterranean route, IOM added.
In 2021, a total of 32,425 illegal migrants were rescued and returned to Libya.
Libya has been suffering insecurity and chaos since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, making the North African country a preferred point of departure for illegal migrants who want to cross the Mediterranean Sea to European shores.
Rescued migrants end up inside overcrowded reception centers across Libya, despite repeated international calls to close those centers.
The Luanda summit followed the visit of Angolan President, João Lourenço to Kigali and Kinshasa where he met with his counterparts, Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Félix Tshisekedi of DRC.
As the mediator on tensions between Rwanda and DRC, Lourenço had been assigned to facilitate negotiations on the issue of armed groups in eastern DRC which usually take place Nairobi.
It was attended by Burundian President, Evariste Ndayishimiye; Tshisekedi of DRC; Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta who represented President Kagame and former Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta who currently serves as the East African Community (EAC) facilitator of peace talks in eastern DR Congo.
On Monday 28th November 2022, another meeting bringing together regional heads of state on Nairobi Process for the Restoration of Peace and Security in Eastern DR Congo was held in Kenya.
Normally, concerned parties in similar meetings draft recommendations to be discussed and endorsed after reaching consensus.
Rwanda’s biggest concern at the recent meeting in Luanda is the issue of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a terrorist group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The group has been plotting attacks at different times to destabilize Rwanda.
From the standpoint of DRC, FDLR does neither exist nor poses threat to Rwanda.
Such statements have for the past few weeks dominated speeches propagated by DRC politicians including Tshisekedi himself.
They assert that FDLR kills Congolese, that it should be considered a threat to DRC not Rwanda.
By doing so, the politicians overlook attacks plotted on Rwandan territory and reported collaboration between Congolese Army (FARDC).
The recurrent meetings on insecurity in DRC are taking place at a time when the international community has noticed the strength of M23 rebel group which might add Goma town to other captured areas during the fight with Congolese Army (FARDC).
{{DRC allows M23 to remain on its land for the first time}}
During the mini-summit in Luanda last week, the fighting with M23 was among issues brought on table for discussions. Previously, DRC was proposing that M23 lays arms down and return to its origin (former cantonment in Uganda).
Apart from that, DRC rose alarms at different time that it was attacked by Rwanda through M23 rebel group and called fighters of M23 foreigners who must return home.
Ahead of the meeting, Tshisekedi held talks with Angolan President and convinced him that he sticks to the wrong side, that M23 rebels are apparently Congolese.
He also told him that it does not sound well to expel M23 fighters after accepting to cease fire.
During the meeting, DRC accepted that M23 would remain on its land once it respects a call for ceasefire.
It is a great milestone reached for the first time by DR Congo as a country which had ignored the reality sounding alarms that M23 rebels are Rwandans who must return to Rwanda.
This led to the resolution of setting a deadline of 25th November for M23 to cease hostilities.
It was also resolved that M23 had to respect the decision not later than 18:00 and return to its initial positions not beyond along the line Sabyinyo Volcano in the areas of Bigega, Bugusa, Nyabikona, Mbuzi, Rutsiro and Nkokwe on the side of DRC.
The heads of state agreed that the areas previously captured by M23 will be controlled by joint EAC forces.
As for Kenya, the country has so far deployed over 2000 soldiers in DRC. It was mandated maintain security in the areas of Bunagana, Rutshuru and Kiwanja after withdrawal of M23.
However, the plan to deploy a small number of troops in such a large area remains questioned.
Few hours before the deadline of 25th November expired, M23 released a conditional ceasefire statement.
Through the statement, the President of M23, Bertrand Bisimwa explained that the group is willing to cease fire as was the case on 1st April 2022 without involvement of DR Congo.
M23 also requested ‘a meeting with the mediator and the facilitator in order to discuss the matter of its concerns in a way to restore a lasting peace in our country’.
{{FDLR urged to lay down arms and return home}}
Rwanda considers FDLR as the root cause for insecurity in eastern DRC given that it is at the center of ethnic divisions propagated in the area.
This year, the terrorist group continued to destabilize Rwanda’s security where it shelled the country’s territory three times, injured citizens and destroyed their houses.
Luanda summit resolved that the group has to lay down arms not later than 30th November. This means, FDLR fighters have to return to Rwanda effective from 1st December.
The Government of Rwanda has been receiving FDLR combatants at different times where those who committed crimes face justice while others are reintegrated into their respective communities.
Other armed groups concerned with the decision include RED Tabara and ADF.
The suspects were arrested on Saturday 26th November 2022.
These include James Kamanzi, former Deputy Director General at RBC, Fidele Rwema, who was an RBC employee in Karongi region, Fidele Ndayisenga, Jean Pierre Ndayambaje, Leoncie Kayiranga, all of whom were RBC employees and members of the RBC procurement committee.
The Spokesperson of RIB, Dr. Thierry B. Murangira has told IGIHE that the suspects are detained as investigation on alleged illegal public procurement is ongoing.
“They are detained at RIB stations in Kicukiro, Kimironko and Rwezamenyo as investigation is ongoing to file their files to the Prosecution,” he said.
Illegal procurement is a crime punishable by Article 188 of illegal public procurement.
A person convicted of committing this crime is bound to imprisonment of not less than five years but not more than seven years, and a fine between Rwf2 million and Rwf5 million.
If it is committed by an employee under the orders of his manager, that manager shall be liable to a jail term between seven and10 years, and a fine of Rwf10 million and not less than Rwf5 million.
Some 125 vehicles were impounded in the City of Kigali while other 74 were impounded on various highways across the country.
All the vehicles were escorted the Automobile Inspection Centres for mechanical inspection, according to Senior Superintendent of Police SSP Irené Irere, the spokesperson for Traffic and Road Safety department.
He added that these are continuous countrywide operations to impound vehicles without the roadworthy certificate and to penalize owners for their negligence.
Most drivers of the impounded vehicles, however, blamed their bosses for intentionally refusing to have their cars taken for inspection, when the certificate expires.
Public transport vehicles and trucks are subjected to mechanical inspection every after six months.
“The mechanical inspection certificate for the school bus I was driving expired on November 11, and I had informed my employer even before it expired. I was stopped today in the morning while taking children to school,” one of the drivers said.
He added: “I knew well that driving a vehicle without a roadworthy certificate is a traffic offence but as drivers, we find ourselves on the edge of being fired, if we refuse to drive them, and we have families to cater for.”
Another driver was quick to say that the transport company he works for cares more about money than road safety.
“They just tell you; go to work, we will be booking for the inspection,” another driver said.
The Traffic spokesperson warned owners of vehicles and heads of transport companies for these behaviors of forcing their drivers to drive cars with no or expired mechanical inspection certificate.
“We noticed that there are many public vehicles and trucks with expired mechanical inspection certificate, which prompted these operations.
Mechanical inspection is meant to ensure that vehicles are roadworthy and to prevent road carnage caused by mechanical failures,” SSP Irere said.
“Some of the impounded vehicles had expired certificate while others were operating after failing the first inspection. It is prohibited and a traffic offence to use a vehicle in an operations, if it failed the inspection and given 14 days to fix the identified mechanical faults,” he added.
The automobile mechanical status is mandated under the Presidential Decree No. 85/01 of September 2, 2002, which, partly, stipulates that owners of vehicles using public roads without a mechanical inspection certificate will be liable to a fine of Rwf25, 000.
Dr. Nsanzimana who once served as the Director General of Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) has been working as the Director General of Butare University Teaching Hospital (CHUB) for the past nine months.
His new appointment was announced on Monday 28th November through a statement released by the Office of Prime Minister.
The communiqué further reads that Dr. Yvan Butera is the new State Minister in the Ministry of Health replacing Dr. Tharcisse Mpunga who was named Director General of the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK).
The duties were previously assumed by Dr. Theobald Hategekimana.
The communiqué further reads that Dr. Yvan Butera was appointed the State Minister in the Ministry of Health replacing Dr. Tharcisse Mpunga named Director General of the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK).
The role was previously assumed by Dr. Theobald Hategekimana.
Dr. Butera has been serving as the Deputy Executive Secretary in Human Resources for Health Secretariat in the Ministry of Health.
He worked in different hospitals including Kanombe Military Hospital.
Dr. Butera has a Bachelor of Medicine obtained from the University of Rwanda in 2014 and PhD in Medical Sciences from Liège University in Belgium acquired in 2019.
In 2017, he also obtained a Master’s degree from the University of Global Health Equity located in Burera District.
Meanwhile, Dr. Nsanzimana was named the Director General of RBC in 2019 replacing Dr. Condo Jeannine.
He holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Epidemiology from the University of Rwanda and PhD doctoral research studies in Epidemiology at University of Basel, Switzerland.
Kagame was delivering his remarks as he virtually joined Heads of State for the East African Community (EAC) led Nairobi Process for the Restoration of Peace and Security in Eastern DR Congo.
The meeting was physically attended by Evariste Ndayishimiye, the President of Burundi who also serves as the Chairperson of EAC, his counterpart of Kenya, William Ruto and the EAC facilitator of peace talks in eastern DRC, Uhuru Kenyatta.
The special envoy of ICGLR Chairman, Huang Xia also attended in-person.
Meanwhile, President Kagame, his counterpart of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi participated in the summit virtually.
As he addressed participants, Kagame thanked EAC leaders for their commitment to find a solution for challenging security and other situations in the region.
He highlighted that the problem of insecurity and instability in eastern DRC has a complicated and long history spanning for almost three decades but has festered and remained unsolved’.
The Head of State stated that this situation has occasioned negative impacts including the issue of hundreds of Congolese refugees who are unable to safely return homes, impeded trade and investment ‘with negative implication to the whole region’.
To this end, he pointed out the primary reason for the persistent crisis and proposed a solution.
“The primary reason for this persistent crisis is the failure to implement many agreements that have been reached at various levels & at different times in past years. I most sincerely believe that this time around, these efforts are going to bear good results,” said Kagame.
He underscored that the recent resurgence of ‘one armed group among many others’ has received a lot of attention globally noting that this situation comes on top of other unresolved security and political challenges.
Kagame further welcomed the region’s ‘swift response’ and mechanisms being established to save lives in eastern DRC, and address dangerous escalations that threaten neighbouring countries including Rwanda.
The President also proposed a solution to such problems.
“What is needed today, more than ever, is steady political will to implement the ongoing regional initiatives, particularly the East African Community-led Nairobi Peace Process and the African Union Mediation by President Lourenco of Angola,” said Kagame.
“This should seriously include addressing the root causes of insecurity once and for all, which will make a real difference in resolving the security concerns of DRC and neighbouring countries,” he added.
The President observed that the current framework established by regional leaders and the decision taken last week in Luanda, the capital of Angola constitute an opportunity to find a durable solution and reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to support these efforts.
“It is therefore in the interest of all of us, to stay the course and not let the situation be a perennial problem. On this, you can count on Rwanda’s full support toward a lasting and permanent solution,” he assured.
Today’s meeting follows another held on Wednesday last week in Luanda.
It was attended by Angolan President, Lourenço; the President of Burundi, Evariste Ndayishimiye, Felix Antoine Tshisekedi of DR Congo.
It was also attended by Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta and Uhuru Kenyatta.
The first resolution of the meeting was a call for M23 to ceasefire, halt attacks against Congolese Army (FARDC) and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in DRC (MONUSCO) effective from 25th November 2022 at 18h:00.
It was also decided that the rebel group has to withdraw from captured areas and return to previous positions in Sabyinyo Volcano.
Before the deadline, the President of M23, Bertrand Bisimwa released a statement agreeing on ceasefire.
He explained that the group is willing to cease fire as was the case on 1st April 2022 without involvement of DR Congo.
M23 also requested ‘a meeting with the mediator and the facilitator in order to discuss the matter of its concerns in a way to restore a lasting peace in our country’.
During past meetings in Luanda, M23 was not represented where resolutions were only supported by DR Congo.
The recent resolutions triggered mixed reactions as to how the Congolese Government would be assured of their implementation yet M23 was not represented in the meeting.
The call was made recently by the Head of Department for Strategic Capacity Development at Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Viateur Nzabanita as he addressed the youth participating in the Africa Future of Work and Entrepreneurship Summit.
Organized by Amplyfy through its subsidiary-Learnible Global, a Learning Innovation Company based in Rwanda, the summit brought together young people from different countries.
“Entrepreneurial innovations leads to the reallocation of resources from traditional economy to modern economy,” said Nzabanita.
He explained that Rwanda has different programs to empower the youth and enhance their competencies at the labour market.
He cited, among others, the establishment of Business development Fund (BDF) which provides funding to the youth without collateral.
Nzabanita also highlighted that the country’s plan to create over 1.5 under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) million jobs by 2024 cannot materialize without cooperation.
“This target cannot be achieved without entrepreneurship workforce […] As we talk about the future, we have to consider the skilling and up-skilling which are very critical to have the workforce combining deep knowledge needed to adapt to the labour market,” he noted.
Muyiwa Fasakin, a panelist from Nigeria underscored that creating innovations, decision-making, taking risks and competition is among key drivers for entrepreneurs to thrive.
{{Advice to young entrepreneurs}}
Dr. Gaidi Faraj, one of entrepreneurs who attended the summit observed that the future of work in Africa requires dedication and close collaboration among employees for businesses to flourish.
He also advised entrepreneurs to be passionate and set goals helping them to achieve envisaged targets before beginning implementation of their projects.
Yussouf Ntwali, the CEO of BAG Innovation, an online platform which upskills the youth and connects them to employers to curb unemployment, disclosed that the latter was established to bridge skills gap among the youth to tackle unemployment.
He advised entrepreneurs to set aside fears to overcome challenges and leverage technology if they are to expand their businesses.
Laurene Umutoni Rwema, the founder of Uzi Collections said that she ventured into business after realizing that there is a gap in promoting Made in Rwanda garments.
She cited discipline among other values that should characterize entrepreneurs if they want to take businesses to greater heights.
Parfine Mizero, a participant from Amplyfy said that the summit left many lessons with regard to the creation of jobs and business growth.
“Participating in this summit is very helpful as I acquired deeper understanding on the future of Africa’s workforce. The youth have been inspired that it is possible to grow businesses from little resources to achieve great things,” she revealed.
The Private Sector Development Specialist at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM), Berthe Ndayambaje Rwagitare recalled Rwanda’s initiatives to empower and support young people’s projects and urged them to set aside fears and tap into available opportunities.
Malik Shaffy, African Management Institute (AMI) Rwanda Country Director observed that academic degrees will no longer be a prerequisite for employment in the future but rather competencies.
Dr. Kalibata was a laureate at the 15th annual Awards for Planetary Health by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. The awards honor personalities and organisations who have shown remarkable commitment to the preservation of the Planet.
Speaking after receiving her award on 26th November 2022, Dr. Kalibata expressed gratitude for the recognition.
“We are not on track to achieve the SDG Goal of “Zero Hunger” by 2030. This is made more difficult by climate change . Agriculture is a major part of the climate problem. It currently generates 19–29% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Without action, that percentage could rise substantially. I am honored to receive this award today. But it is not just for me. It is also an award acknowledging that we must continue our push to support African smallholder farmers – as they look to increase their agriculture production for more food security and increased incomes, they must do this while having choices to use modern technologies and practices that take care of environment.”
In his opening address at the award ceremony, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco emphasised that while the Foundation’s Awards for Planetary Health reward inspiring personalities for their work in favour of water, climate, and biodiversity, they also reward the paths they have chosen. Those of “politics and collective action; science and research; industry and innovation. Three areas that we must constantly mobilise, for it is with them that we make progress”. The Sovereign Prince underlined the importance of the 2022 laureates’ commitment: “At a time when our planet is once again experiencing open conflicts that tend to push environmental issues aside, there has never been a better time to give a voice to those who seek to protect it”.
The other laureates in the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s 15th annual Awards for Planetary Health were: Professor Dame Jane Francis, Director of the British Antarctic Survey, a research centre of the Natural Environment Research Council; and Dr. Ido Sella, the CEO and co-founder of ECOncrete Tech, whose mission is to change the gold standard, transforming the way our concrete coasts look and function, so that where the ocean meets the shore, life thrives – above and below the water.
{{About AGRA}}
Established in 2006, AGRA is an African-led and Africa-based institution that puts smallholder farmers at the center of the continent’s growing economy by transforming agriculture from a solitary struggle to survive into farming as a business that thrives. Together with partners, AGRA is working to sustainably grow Africa’s food systems.
AGRA strengthens seed systems, develops and promotes sustainable farming practices, helps unlock trade and markets, and supports governments who lead their countries’ development.
The ceremony took place at the academy located in Mundoli, Arusha City in northern Tanzania.
The Spokesperson of Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga has confirmed to IGIHE that two Rwandans were among gradiuates from TMA.
Suluhu was presiding over similar ceremony for the third time after succeeding John Pombe Magufuli in March 2021.
Commissioned officers include 89 women and 651 men. Among those commissioned were 16 military officers from neighboring countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and Eswatini.
Rwanda and Tanzania enjoy defence cooperation agreement signed in 2021.
Last year, the former Chief of Defence Forces of Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF), General Venance Mabeyo came to Rwanda for an official visit aimed at strengthening cooperation between TPDF and RDF from 23rd to 26th August.
At the time, the TPDF Chief of Defence Forces and his delegation paid respect to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi at Kigali Genocide Memorial, visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum and RDF Command and Staff College in Nyakinama.
Out of the 694 vehicles inspected in six days, only 322 were found to be roadworthy, according to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Aloys Munana, the Commanding Officer (CO) for the Automobile Inspection Centre.
“This in-depth inspection found other 372 vehicles with varied mechanical issues, especially brake failure, wheel alignment and emitting gas emissions. Owners are required to fix the identified mechanical faults and bring them back for the second inspection to acquire a mechanical certificate, if they meet the required road standards,” ACP Munana said.
The vehicle roadworthy inspection tests shock absorber, brakes including handbrake, axle play detection, wheel alignment and vehicle geometry, steering system, headlights, and visual inspection of the vehicle’s body condition, among others.
It further tests fuel emissions to fight greenhouse gas emissions, which cause climate change.
ACP Munana said: “Such deep vehicle mechanical analysis is good to owners as it helps them to know the status of their vehicles, know what to fix and to prevent any likely accidents that can result from mechanical failures.”
More than 500 others vehicles were inspected in Rusizi District a fortnight ago, before the mobile inspection lane shifted to Rubavu.
The automobile mechanical status is mandated under the Presidential Decree No. 85/01 of September 2, 2002, which, partly, stipulates that owners of vehicles using public roads without a mechanical inspection certificate will be liable to a fine of Frw25, 000.
“The mobile inspection lane is rotating in districts that are far from the Automobile Inspection Centres.
Rwanda National Police (RNP) is taking these services closer to those that need them and to facilitate them from wasting time and resources trekking long distances to acquire the same services in Kigali, Musanze, Rwamagana and Huye,” the CO said.
Private vehicles are subjected to mechanical inspection every after one year while trucks and passenger service vehicles are inspected every after six months.
