As a result, vehicles were unable to continue their journeys, prompting passengers to transfer to vehicles on the other side by crossing on foot.
Mayor Ange Sebutege of Huye District reported the incident to relevant security agencies, who are now collaborating with authorities to provide instructions for alternative routes.
The road, crucial for Kigali-Nyamagabe-Rusizi trips through Kitabi and reaching Nyungwe National Park, is a significant disruption for travelers. Rwanda National Police confirmed the impassability of the Huye-Nyamagabe road and advised road users to bear with the inconveniences while the situation is being addressed.
The Rwanda Meteorology Agency had earlier warned of above-normal rainfall in the south-western parts of the country until January 20, raising concerns about flooding, soil erosion, and landslides.
The affected areas include Karongi, Nyamasheke, Rusizi, Nyamagabe, Nyaruguru, Huye, Gisagara, Nyanza Districts, and southern parts of Ruhango, Bugesera, Ngoma, and Kirehe Districts.
Authorities are urging preparedness and mitigation measures to minimize the impact of expected rains.
This move is seen as a response to Kenya’s refusal to allow Tanzania’s airline, Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), to operate cargo flights between Nairobi and third countries.
The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) cited this rejection as a violation of the 2016 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Air Services, specifically Section 4, which outlines reciprocal treatment for airlines.
TCAA Director General Hamza S. Johari stated that the decision is based on the principle of reciprocity, emphasizing Tanzania’s commitment to international aviation regulations and bilateral agreements.
This suspension follows a brief ban on Kenya Airways flights by Tanzania in August 2020 after Tanzanians were excluded from Kenya’s list of countries exempt from Covid-19 quarantine restrictions.
In particular, the United Nations plans to attract 3.1 billion dollars from donors to provide humanitarian aid to 8.5 million people in Ukraine, the ministry said in a statement.
The world body also targets to raise 1.1 billion dollars to support about 2.3 million Ukrainian refugees, who were forced to flee the country due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the statement said.
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said Kiev pins high hopes on the UN humanitarian plan to assist Ukrainians affected by the conflict.
“We must continue to support our internally displaced people and our people who have gone abroad fleeing the war,” Vereshchuk said.
The United Nations estimated that about 6.3 million people have fled Ukraine since February 2022.
About 4.9 million people have been displaced within the country, according to Ukrainian authorities.
More than half of chief economists said in their outlook for this year, released during the 54th Annual WEF meeting, that they expect the global economy to weaken in 2024. Meanwhile, seven in 10 said the pace of geoeconomic fragmentation will accelerate.
“Uncertainty is the key word for most economies around the world, including China. The positive is that China is one of the very few large economies in the world that is not struggling with inflation, that is not struggling with very high interest rates at present,” said Saadia Zahidi, managing director of the WEF.
In the face of escalating global division and uncertainty, the 54th WEF Annual Meeting has assembled leaders from around the world for a week of dialogue aimed at enhancing cooperation and cultivating partnerships.
Under the theme “Rebuilding Trust,” the meeting will focus on four priorities: achieving security and cooperation in a fractured world; creating growth and jobs for a new era; harnessing artificial intelligence as a driving force for the economy and society, and formulating a long-term strategy for climate, nature, and energy.
Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the WEF, underlined the urgency of rebuilding trust in a fragmented world with growing social divides. He emphasized the need to move beyond crisis management and address root causes.
The forum will showcase the latest proposals on global security, trade, economic growth, jobs, climate and nature action, energy transition, technological disruption, and health and well-being.
WEF President Borge Brende highlighted the necessity of innovative public-private collaboration, saying that “the Forum provides the structure for developing research, alliances, and frameworks that promote … cooperation throughout the year.” The annual meeting will serve to deepen connections between leaders, he added.
Faki said while the effect of the Russia-Ukraine crisis is constantly growing, the Israeli- Palestinian conflict is continuing with indescribable intensity, causing humanitarian tragedies and destruction of properties.
“African conscience is shaken by the tragedy that has occurred due to the conflict and I reiterate once again our call for humanitarian ceasefire and engagement of the international community to materialize the two-state solution to end the conflict there,” he said.
Noting the continuing shelling of Palestinian civilians and destruction of their means of existence, Faki recalled that the conflict has been of great concern for Africa for over 60 years.
He noted that a lasting solution is required to ensure the co-existence of both nations to allow their peoples live in a state of peace and stability.
Africa is not free from conflict either, said the chairperson, noting the unfolding security problems in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other parts of the continent, affecting peace, stability and development of the continent.
He said the African Union needs to go a long way to achieve the general objective of the union, namely peace, the integration and development of Africa.
The PRC session is held under the theme “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.”
It will be followed by the 44th ordinary session of the Executive Council and the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU, starting from mid-February.
The suspect, who was enroute to Muhanga District, was intercepted midway in Ngororero District, Ngororero sector in Rususa cell, Rususa village.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Karekezi Twizere Bonaventure, the Police spokesperson for Western region, said that the suspect was being transported by a taxi-moto operator, who fled during the operation.
“Police received a phone call from a resident about a suspected drug dealer traveling from Busasamana sector in Rubavu district heading to Muhanga District,” said SP Karekezi.
He added: “A checkpoint was mounted in Rususa village, Ngororero District where a taxi-moto operator and the passenger, who had the narcotics were intercepted at about 6p.m, with a consignment of 5000 rolls of cannabis, although the moto rider managed to flee.”
The suspect had sneaked the narcotics into Rwanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), through a porous border point.
Reports indicate that the same suspect has been frequenting Goma in DRC, where he get the narcotics and supplies others dealers especially in Muhanga and Kigali.
His arrest came less than a mother after another drug dealer was arrested in Rusizi District with 108kgs and 500 pellets of cannabis.
In November, last year, a woman and her son were also arrested in Rwamagana District, Mwulire sector with 105kgs of cannabis.
Cannabis is classified as a severe narcotic drug in Rwanda.
Trafficking and distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is punishable under article 263 of the law determining offences and penalties in general.
It partly states that, any person, who unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, the offender is liable to an imprisonment of between 20 year and life, and a fine of between Rwf20 million and Rwf30 million, in regard to severe narcotic drugs.
Valens Muhakwa, the PSD’s First Vice President, underscored the party’s active engagement in the preparations for the imminent presidential and parliamentary elections. “The party is not standing idle,” he declared, emphasizing the PSD’s commitment to playing a substantial role in Rwanda’s political landscape.
Muhakwa outlined the internal process for selecting the PSD’s presidential candidate, stating, “According to the party’s regulations, the decision will be made by the national congress scheduled for next Wednesday.” This clarification sheds light on the formal procedure governing candidate nominations.
Expressing pride in the party’s accomplishments over its 33 years of existence, Muhakwa highlighted the PSD’s noteworthy contribution to Rwanda’s national development. He intends to leverage this track record as a compelling argument in the upcoming electoral campaign, stating, “We are preparing plans and strategies that we will present to the Rwandans,” and indicating that the party will emphasize its achievements when seeking votes.
Despite not fielding a presidential candidate since 2010, when Jean Damascène finished second with 5.15% of the votes, the PSD appears determined to make a robust comeback on the presidential stage.
Rwanda was well-represented by institutions such as the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), RwandAir (Rwanda’s national carrier), Wanderluxe Safaris, Blue Monkey Tours, Palast Tours & Travels, and Mist Rwanda Safaris. The delegation received support from the Embassy of Rwanda in the Netherlands throughout the exhibition.
Speaking on the first day as he opened Rwanda’s pavilion; Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Olivier Nduhungirehe expressed satisfaction that Rwanda is among the nations showcasing its tourism offerings at the fair.
He highlighted Rwanda’s 12th consecutive participation, emphasizing the progress made in the tourism sector since the Genocide against the Tutsi, crediting the government’s efforts through RDB. The ambassador acknowledged the success of the Visit Rwanda campaign, which engaged major European football clubs.
Ariella Kageruka, Head of Tourism and Conservation at RDB, emphasized the value of Rwanda’s participation in the exhibition, describing it as an excellent opportunity to showcase the nation’s diverse tourism resources. She highlighted the chance for tourism service providers to strengthen collaborations within the joint market of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, a region that significantly contributes to Rwanda’s tourist influx.
Representatives from Palast Tours & Travels, Blue Monkey Tours, and Wanderluxe Safaris expressed their happiness as young professionals in the tourism sector participating in the Vakantiebeurs 2024 international tourism fair. They thanked RDB for facilitating their participation, the Embassy of Rwanda in the Netherlands for stand preparations, and the accompanying artists for showcasing Rwanda’s rich culture.
The Rwandan pavilion featured a group offering visitors a taste of Rwandan coffee, led by Paul Van Weert, along with captivating performances by the Ukwezi ballet from Belgium.
Ministry records indicate that out of the 5,000 individuals intended for transfer, only about 700 can be located at present.
Officials estimate that the first flight could carry between 100 and 150 people, depending on the whereabouts of those still unaccounted for.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that transfers are scheduled to commence early this year, pending legislative approval.
The proposed bill seeks to eliminate specific legal barriers related to the UK’s policy with Rwanda and make amendments to aspects of human rights law. This would grant ministers the authority to override judgments from European courts.
However, the bill faced criticism last week from 50 MPs, who called for a reassessment and reforms to strengthen it.
Initially planned for June 2022, the transfer was halted by the European Court of Human Rights.
The primary challenge faced by the ministry remains locating the majority of the concerned migrants. Additionally, the transportation process from reception centers to planes is complicated by various obstacles, including protests, adverse weather conditions, and resistance from those responsible for monitoring and escorting migrants.
Suggestions have arisen that the Home Office could use Ministry of Defence aircraft to expedite the process, but the military has declined involvement in this plan.
Concerns have been raised about Rwanda’s preparedness, especially regarding the availability of lawyers to assist migrants. However, a recent agreement between the two countries aims to address these shortcomings by strengthening Rwanda’s judicial system.
The increasing influx of migrants to the UK and their disappearance before placement in transit centers further complicates the situation, potentially delaying transfers due to insufficient numbers.
Speaking to The Telegraph; Yvette Cooper, a political analyst at the Home Office highlighted numerous challenges in the transfer process. Although 17,000 people were initially expected, many remain unaccounted for.
In December last year, the UK proposed legislation facilitating the sending of migrants to Rwanda, a day after the British Home Secretary signed a new agreement in Kigali.
This agreement, initially signed in 2022, was revised following concerns from the UK Supreme Court regarding the legality of the approach and the risks of returning migrants to their home countries.
The new agreement and the bill aim to address the concerns expressed by the British Supreme Court.
The incident occurred on Saturday, January 13, 2023, at Gicumbi District Stadium during a match between Rambura WFC and Inyemera WFC. In the 65th minute of the game, moderate rain accompanied by lightning struck eight individuals, including players and coaches from both teams.
The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) confirmed on Sunday that all the affected players had been released from the hospital and were showing signs of improvement.
“We are pleased to inform you that the six players who spent the night in Byumba Hospital and the two who spent the night in King Faisal Hospital have all been discharged as they have started to recover,” announced the federation.
The Rambura WFC players undergoing treatment were Uwimaniduhaye Diane, Isubirizihe Jeannine, Uwayisaba Olive, Kaze Deline, Gisubizo Umulisa, and Uwiduhaye Valentine. The Inyemera WFC players involved in the incident were Niyokwizerwa Devotha and Mutuyimana Clarisse, along with coaches Niragire Jean de Dieu and Umutoniwase Marie Gisèle.
It remains unclear whether the interrupted game would be restarted or continued from the 65th minute.
However, according to regulations, if there is a compelling reason for the game not to conclude, it may be restarted and continue from the minute it reached.
