The police officer identified as Claudine Mukeshimana wore civilian clothes when she was ambushed on her way returning home.
She was stabbed arriving in Rusororo Village, Kirengeri Cell in the evening of Tuesday 23rd August 2022 around 7:00 a.m.
The Executive Secretary of Byimana Sector, Patrick Mutabazi has told IGIHE that the policewoman was moving along with a cyclist identified as Emmanuel Renzaho.
As he explained, the duo encountered three people who attempted to dispossess them of their belongings. As they resisted, Mutabazi revealed, the hooligans stabbed Mukeshimana on the head and arm leaving serious wounds while Renzaho survived with a wound on the arm.
“After stabbing her, they robbed her phone and handbag. They also escaped with Renzaho’s phone,” he noted.
Mutabazi has disclosed that Mukeshimana is admitted at Kabgayi Hospital while Renzaho received treatment at a nearby health center and returned home.
Security officials in collaboration with local leaders and residents have launched investigation to identify the hooligans.
Since 2005, the Government of Rwanda initiated the Tourism Revenue Sharing Programme which aims at guiding investment in the areas surrounding the various national parks in Rwanda by ensuring that a portion of all park revenues is given back to the communities.
In 2017, the percentage allocated for community projects increased from 5% to 10%.
Figures show that revenues from Rwanda’s tourism sector have been increasing steadily following the drop by 70% owing to effects of COVID-19 pandemic.
Last year, Rwanda registered an increase by 25% in tourism revenues reaching US$164 million up from US$131 million of 2020.
In 2019, the country generated US$498 million from tourism.
The Chief Tourism Officer at RDB, Ariella Kageruka has said that the increase in tourism revenues saw funds disbursed to implement 72 projects in the outskirts of national parks in 12 districts.
She was speaking on Tuesday 23rd August 2022 at the official inauguration and handover of socio-economic community projects built under tourism revenue sharing program this year in Kayonza District, Eastern Province.
They are also part of this year’s baby gorilla naming ‘Kwita Izina’ celebrations. This year’s baby gorilla naming ceremony is scheduled on 2nd September 2022.
The projects handed over include a fish farm, industrial park, teachers’ hostels and an abattoir. Communities have also been provided a workshop for tailoring, carpentry and welding.
Kageruka revealed that the portion of revenues allocated for community projects has increased from Rwf900 million to Rwf2.6 billion.
“As announced, the Rwf2.6 billion will be earmarked for the implementation of various community projects in the outskirts of national parks. Over Rwf515 million will distributed to communities in the surroundings of Akagera National Park. The same amount will be allocated for projects in the surroundings of Nyungwe. Rwf309 million will go to Gishwati while over Rwf721 million will be allocated to communities in the surroundings of Virunga National Park,” she said.
Kageruka also urged residents on collaboration to up efforts geared towards conservation of national parks to sustain the impact of revenues generated from tourism.
The Mayor of Kayonza District, John Bosco Nyemazi highlighted that Akagera national Park holds great significance for residents considering the impact of projects undertaken in collaboration with the park’s management.
These include a fish-farming project bringing together residents who sell 30 tons every year.
Nyemazi disclosed that they also want to distribute 1.5 million fish seeds among residents. Among others, two villages have been connected to electricity while 10,000 trees were planted to beautify towns.
Other projects include an abattoir, teachers’ hostels while 34 cooperatives were grouped together and generated Rwf184 million last year.
Faustin Iyamuremye has said that the new business center workshop will help him to create linkages with clients, learn from other welders and increase income unlike the past where his business was not known because he worked from home.
The Executive Secretary of Eastern Province, Dr. Jeanne Nyirahabimana thanked RDB for having introduced the Tourism Revenue Sharing Program noting that it played a significant role to the fight against poachers.
She also requested residents to take good care of built infrastructures and stand against poaching.
The launch of these infrastructures was preceded by a cycling race that saw riders making laps in Kabare sector. Winners received brand new bicycles and smartphones.
Figures from RDB indicate that Rwf7.9 billion have been injected in more than 880 development projects aimed at transforming livelihoods of communities in the surroundings of national parks since 2005.
These community-based projects have provided clean drinking water, milk, health centres, classrooms and housing to communities living around the four national parks ; Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park, Volcanoes National Park and Rwanda’s newest Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
Adam, who has run a number of programmes to develop entrepreneurship globally, is one of the Queen’s Young Leaders – an award which recognises the leadership of young people in their communities. He is a well known social entrepreneur and advocate for young people and ethical business.
Since attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Kigali, Rwanda in June of this year, the Adam Bradford Agency (ABA) has sought to forge meaningful and powerful partnerships to continue its mission to make ‘everyone a change maker’. According to a statement released by ABA, this involves equipping the next generation with the skills, confidence, opportunities and environment to thrive in their communities through business and social impact.
The Agency, which has been operating since 2011, has global bases in the United Kingdom, USA, Middle East and now Africa. It has a history of running impactful development programmes alongside its consultancy work with businesses to help them reach new markets and achieve social impact.
Adam and the Agency have teamed up with Rwanda Opportunities Organisation (RwandOpp) located in Nyabihu District, Western Province in Rwanda to launch a series of programmes across the next twelve months which will empower young people, develop rural communities and encourage entrepreneurship.
Commenting on the development; Ama Ase, Entrepreneurship Manager at the Agency has said that the inaugural programme – a rural hackathon, will see teams of young people come up with ideas which will improve their local communities and be given corporate mentorship, training, financial assistance and access to global networks to take the ideas further.
“As part of the success criteria, the hackathon will identify and solve major rural problems by bringing together diverse groups of young innovative thinkers and potential change makers, hence, improving rural people’s livelihoods in a sustainable manner through their solutions. Innovative start-ups contribute significantly to economic growth and employment nationwide. They also help to develop new and innovative solutions to challenges faced by traditional industries through cross sector innovation, thereby creating a more dynamic and competitive society. It is sure a step towards sustainable socio-economic development in the region,” he said.
Emmanuel Nshimiyimana, the CEO and Co-Founder of Rwanda Opportunities Organisation (RwandOpp) has revealed that introducing Rwanda Opportunities Organization in a rural area has helped to understand more about rural youth’s abilities, creativity and talents that need development, mentorship and opportunities for success.
“Working with Adam Bradford Agency is a great opportunity for us to maximize the impact and reach out to many youths from rural areas in Rwanda who sometimes lack opportunities for success in their lives and communities,” he said.
“Together we will equip them with development and entrepreneurship skills to shape them into entrepreneurs and change makers. We thank Adam Bradford Agency for this impactful partnership and for furthering progress after the global Covid–19 pandemic’s challenges,” added Nshimiyimana.
Having been inspired by the commitment, values and opportunities to do business which makes a positive impact in Rwanda, Adam has recently become a resident of Rwanda and sees much optimism for the future emanating out of the region.
“It has to be said that you cannot do anything which makes an impact on young people and economic development without placing the heart of that work in Africa. Working with our extended family at Rwanda Opprtunities Organisation (RwandOpp) we are really excited to be able to inspire entrepreneurship, develop communities and build a long-lasting partnership where everyone across communities benefits. It goes without saying that the warmth and openness of Rwanda made it the perfect place for us to build our African home and I am personally looking forward to everything our new expansion holds for the future,” he noted.
Charity Bids was established in 2008 to help non-governmental organizations raise funds for sustainability of their activities to support the needy.
CharityBids turns dreams into reality by evoking human connection through its live and virtual events and curated consignment packages.
From procuring and booking talent to writing and producing high-quality shows and events, CharityBids creates unique opportunities to help charities grow and thrive.
RDF has revealed that their discussions focused on the ongoing counter terrorism operations in Cabo Delgado province. Maj Gen Christovao Chume commended the achievements of the Rwandan Security Forces in collaboration with Mozambique Forces in fighting terrorism in Cabo Delgado.
The Rwandan Security Forces Joint Task Force Commanders also met with the Chief of General Staff of the Mozambican Armed Forces, Admiral Joaquim Mangrasse, the Police Commander of Republic of Mozambique, Inspector General of Police Bernardino Raphaël and the Director of State Security Service, Mr Bernardo Lidimba.
Sonia Essobmadje, chief of the Innovative Finance and Capital Markets Section with the Private Sector Development and Finance Division at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), told Xinhua in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, that capital markets in the continent are underdeveloped which limits the funding available for the private sector and public projects.
“Well-developed capital markets will also act as a gateway for foreign capital seeking investment opportunities in Africa,” Essobmadje said on the sidelines of the conference on sustainable capital markets development in Africa.
Essobmadje said that vibrant domestic capital markets will reduce Africa’s reliance on foreign debt to finance development projects.
She revealed that less than 30 African countries have stock exchanges with most of them having few listed companies and low liquidity.
The UN official said that the UNECA is keen to expand the number of countries with stock exchanges so that African nations can raise capital through issuing debt and equity instruments.
Essobmadje observed that capital markets are a key enabler of achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals through channeling savings to fund development projects.
She revealed that local currency capital markets also help African countries reduce reliance on external financial stocks.
According to Essobmadje, deep, liquid, efficient equity and debt markets are effective in mobilizing domestic and international capital and can help governments to finance budget deficits.
The six police officers died on Aug. 10 during clashes with protesters, who took to the streets in many parts of the country demanding the government grapple with the rising cost of living.
According to the police, government and private property were destroyed during the unrest with several civilians injured. The exact number of protesters killed remained unknown.
The six police officers were buried at the Hastings Police Training School in Freetown.
During the funeral, Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio sympathized with the families of the dead and promised to open a fundraising account to support them.
Meanwhile, the police said they have arrested 113 protesters who are helping with investigations.
The UN mission expressed concern about the safety and security of thousands of civilians caught up in the clashes, calling on all parties to respect international law and safeguard freedom of movement for humanitarian organizations in the Upper Nile area.
“Over 200 of the displaced persons have sought refuge at the UN Protection of Civilians site in Malakal, the capital of Upper Nile State. Many children are reported to be missing or separated from their families,” UNMISS said in a statement in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
The renewed fighting that began last week in Tonga town has displaced more than 15,000 people, while flooding is hindering their access to humanitarian aid and safer areas while others sought refuge at the UN base.
It said it is engaging with the affected communities, government, and local authorities, to quell tensions and support efforts toward a peaceful resolution.
UNMISS urged feuding parties to immediately stop the violence and adhere to the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
The UN mission said it supports the movement of humanitarian organizations and deploying additional peacekeepers to the UN protection site to increase security and mitigate the risk of spillover fighting.
The latest fighting between the splinter group of the rebel factions of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) in Upper Nile State was sparked by a power struggle between the rebel group led by the former rebel chief of staff of the SPLM/A-IO Simon Gatwech Dual and his deputy General Johnson Olony.
South Sudan descended into violence in December 2013 following a political dispute between President Salva Kiir and his then deputy Riek Machar leading soldiers loyal to the respective leaders to fight.
The conflict killed tens of thousands and displaced more than 2 million people both internally and externally.
In its August analytical report, the European Drought Observatory (EDO) said that some 47 percent of Europe is under warning conditions due to a severe lack of soil moisture.
Another 17 percent of countries are in alert conditions.
“The severe drought affecting many regions of Europe since the beginning of the year has been further expanding and worsening as of early August,” the report said, adding that the western Europe-Mediterranean region is likely to experience warmer and drier than usual conditions until November.
The drought has disrupted inland shipping and electricity production, and reduced the yields of certain crops, it said.
The current drought appears to be the worst in at least 500 years, assuming final data at the end of the season confirm the preliminary assessment, the European Commission said in a statement.
Summer crops have suffered, with 2022 yields of grain maize set to be 16 percent below the average of the previous five years and soybean and sunflowers yields are set to decrease by 15 percent and 12 percent, respectively.
Hydropower generation has also suffered a hit, with further impact on other power producers due to a shortage of water to feed cooling systems.
Low water levels have hampered inland shipping along the river Rhine and elsewhere, with reduced shipping loads affecting coal and oil transport.
Mariya Gabriel, European commissioner for innovation, research, culture, education and youth, said: “The combination of a severe drought and heat waves has created unprecedented stress on water levels in the entire EU. We are currently noticing a wildfires season sensibly above the average and an important impact on crops production. Climate change is undoubtedly more noticeable every year.”
Agreement is urgently needed to re-establish the Zaporizhzhia plant as purely civilian infrastructure and to ensure the safety of the area, she told the Security Council in a briefing.
“We must be clear that any potential damage to the plant, or any other nuclear facilities in Ukraine, leading to a possible nuclear incident would have catastrophic consequences, not only for the immediate vicinity, but for the region and beyond,” she warned.
“At this moment, it is imperative that we receive the expressed commitment of the parties to stop any military activities around the plant to enable its continued safe and secure operations,” she said. “To paraphrase the (UN) secretary-general’s blunt warning, any potential damage to Zaporizhzhia is suicidal.”
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant continues to be operated by Ukrainian technical personnel but has been under the control of Russian military forces since early March. In early August, disturbing reports of an escalation of shelling around the plant began to emerge, said DiCarlo.
“Regrettably, despite numerous calls and appeals, instead of de-escalation, we continue to see almost daily reports of alarming incidents involving the plant,” she said. “If such incidents continue to escalate, we could face a disaster.”
The United Nations continues to fully support the critical work of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its efforts to ensure the safe operation of Zaporizhzhia and other nuclear facilities in Ukraine, said DiCarlo.
IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi on Tuesday renewed his request to send a mission to carry out essential safety, security and safeguards activities at the site. Preparations for the mission are proceeding, and the IAEA is in active consultations with all parties. The United Nations welcomes Ukraine’s and Russia’s recent statements indicating support for such a mission, she said.
“In close contact with the IAEA, the UN has assessed that we have the logistics and security capacity in Ukraine to support any IAEA mission to the plant from Kiev, provided Ukraine and Russia agree. We once again urge the parties to provide the IAEA mission with immediate, secure and unfettered access to the site,” she said.
