So far, a total of 24 ships have left Ukraine under a grain deal signed last month in Türkiye.
Also on Wednesday, five vessels entered Ukrainian ports for loading, which are expected to supply more than 70,000 tons of wheat, bran, sunflower oil and corn to international markets.
Ukraine has set a target to handle about 100 vessels per month in its Black Sea ports, which would allow exporting some 3 million tons of grain and other foodstuffs.
On July 22, Ukraine and Russia separately signed a deal with Türkiye and the United Nations in Istanbul to resume food and fertilizer shipments from Ukrainian ports to international markets via the Black Sea.
On Aug. 1, the first cargo vessel carrying grain left the Ukrainian port of Odesa for the port of Tripoli in Lebanon.
The Western Region Political and Civic Education Officer (RPCEO), Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Mucyo Rukundo, said that one of the suspects identified as Islon Mugisha was apprehended on Wednesday, August 17, at his home in Kirabyo Village, Gahinga Cell, Mururu Sector where Police recovered 8 Cellar Cask wines, and 60kgs of second-hand clothes.
One Pacifique Ndihokubwayo, he added, was also arrested on Tuesday, August 16, at about 9pm, in Kamurera Village, Gihundwe Cell, Kamembe Sector with 5kgs of second-hand clothes.
“These successful operations were conducted by the Revenue Protection Unit (RPU) on tip-offs by members of the public. If you are engaged in this fraud, know that RNP has ears and eyes where you are passing or operating from; you will be known and arrested like many others,” CIP Rukundo warned.
The Western borderline with the DRC is marked as one of the major smuggling routes with second-hand clothes and shoes as well as liquors, among the main intercepted goods.
Drug traffickers especially cannabis and dealers in skin bleaching products also attempt to use this route from the DRC.
The arrest of the Mugisha and Ndihokubwayo came on heels of increased operations against smuggling and fraud.
On Monday, August 15, and Tuesday, August 16, the RPU and the department of Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crimes (ASOC) arrested six people in Nyabihu and Rubavu districts with assorted goods, including clothes, shoes, prohibited skin bleaching cosmetics and energy drinks.
This application will provide video on demand services granting subscribers access to relevant video content that meets their informative, educational and entertainment needs at the most affordable prices, and in the most convenient way via their smart devices.
To access Y’ello TV MTN customers will pay a subscription fee, starting from RWF 150 for two (2) hours of streaming, to watch any video content at no additional data cost. This means that once subscribed, customers can enjoy a variety of content without worrying about utilizing any of their data bundles or Airtime.
Weighing in on the paramount launch of Y’ello TV, Yaw Ankoma Agyapong, MTN Rwanda Chief Consumer and Digital Officer said: “This partnership with AfrikaStream avails a new application which will allow customers to access their favourite shows from a single platform through their Y’ello TV subscription. We are pleased to be partnering with AfrikaStream to provide local and international content to our customers. It is partnerships like these that make it possible for us to lead digital for Rwanda’s progress.”
The partnership between MTN Rwanda and AfrikaStream is underpinned by MTN Rwanda’s overarching belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life.
Commenting on this partnership, Dominque Ntirushwa from AfrikaStream highlighted: “We thank MTN Rwanda for partnering with us on launching this app that serves everyone. Technology has evolved tremendously over the years, allowing us to access myriads of information at a click of a button and at AfrikaStream our goal is to ensure we contribute to this with the addition of a virtual outlook using multimedia. The cherry on top with this app is the social networking aspect, where users can chat and share videos with their contacts, so MTN customers are really in for a treat with Y’ello TV.”
The online live TV service such exciting features as video screen sharing and social networking, through which users can connect with friends and get a preview of what they are watching.
“There’s something for everyone to enjoy. Content on Y’ello TV varies from local and international current affairs and sports, entertainment (including Y’ello Kids programs), music, and so much more,” added Agyapong.
Y’ello TV can be downloaded via Google Play Store, and all first-time users will be able to enjoy three (3) hours of free streaming valid for three (3) days.
{{About MTN Rwandacell}}
MTN Rwandacell Plc (MTN Rwanda) is the market leader in mobile telecommunications in Rwanda. Since 1998, It has continuously invested in expanding and modernising its network and leading digital solutions for Rwanda’s progress.
The telecom offers various services to subscribers, including innovative propositions such as personalised voice and data offers for individuals and corporates with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold, new digital world to customers.
IGIHE has learnt that the deceased had been running a small shop in which he sold sold tea, milk, beignets and other items.
“We found him dead. He was killed and locked inside the shop. His domestic servant is suspected of being behind the murder but investigations have not yet confirmed it,” revealed a witness.
The Executive Secretary of Kinyinya Sector, Charles Ntabwiko Havuguziga has also confirmed the death noting that Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has launched investigation to establish the cause of his death.
His death has been confirmed to IGIHE by Junior, the brother of the deceased who is also a movie interpreter. “He died around 11:30 a.m. in South Africa where he has been receiving treatment,” he said.
His death is announced in less than a day following the demise of singer Yvan Buravan who breathed the last in India.
Yanga went to South Africa in April this year. At the time, he was accompanying his children to visit their mother who works there.
Arriving in the country, he caught a disease that his life deteriorated until he breathed the last on 17th August 2022.
Yanga started his career as a film interpreter at the age of 17 while he was a secondary school student.
He once told IGIHE that he drew inspiration at early age from neighbours who forced their meal upon the job when his family lived in Uganda.
Interpreting movies into Kinyarwanda earned him huge returns and popularity.
He however retired from the business between 2012-2013 realizing that movie interpretation was no longer lucrative enough.
Yanga will be remembered as one of pioneers of film interpretation in Rwanda.
In 2018, Yanga was diagnosed with a stomach abscess which resulted into cancer. After learning about his critical condition, Yanga felt shocked and leaned on God.
He sought assistance from pastors to pray for him and later announced that he miraculously healed from stomach cancer without undergoing surgery.
Since then, he committed to serve God for the rest of his life. Yanga had established a movie hall dubbed ‘The One Film Production’.
Research shows that River Nyabarongo washes away over 400 tons of soil from Rwanda every year to other countries along its water courses.
In areas with large-scale mining projects like Muhanga, at least 51 kilograms of soil are washed away every second as per figures from Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB).
The degradation of River Nyabarongo which is the longest in Rwanda, and its banks incurs a huge loss to the country considering its relevance to the agriculture, biodiversity, national economy through electricity generated from dams built over the river and water supplied to Kigali City among others.
Speaking to IGIHE, the Director General of RWB, Dr. Emmanuel Rukundo has revealed that the country suffers big losses over the degradation of River Nyabarongo which flows into Nile River.
Nyabarongo water is always dark-brown due to erosion and illegal mining activities.
Dr. Rukundo Emmanuel has said that this degradation affects the country and citizens as well.
“Erosion firstly washes away the arable and fertile land. This reduces agricultural yields for farmers, hence causing adverse effects in daily lives where expected outcomes to the country and the individual is low,” he said.
Farmers account for 60% of Rwandan population where a large segment of farmers are only assured of good yields in wetlands and rivers’ edges.
Nyabarongo is home to diverse animal species including crocodiles and fishes among others.
Dr. Rukundo has revealed that the polluted water flowing through the river and erosion pose threat to these species where some of them can be subjected to the risk of extinction.
“Polluted water puts life on a standstill. We use water to generate electricity or for daily consumption. For instance, Nzove Plant uses water from River Nyabarongo which undergoes treatment processes before being released into communities for daily use. When water is contaminated, the cost of treatment goes high,” he noted.
Considering the complex process of highly contaminated water, Nzove Plant has sought alternatives to use underground water in case River Nyabarongo is very muddy during the rainy season.
“When water containing much mud gathers in dams built at a hydropower plant, it reduces the output,” said Dr. Rukundo.
Several conservation efforts for River Nyabarongo were implemented over the past years but did not lead to a durable solution.
Experts expressed concerns that the issue lies in scattering efforts among relevant partners or lack of strong policy.
Dr. Rukundo has told IGIHE that new polices devised to prevent erosion across the country are expected to start bearing fruits this year.
“80% of the land designated for heightened erosion prevention are fit for terracing or other erosion control techniques. All these activities are within citizens’ capacities,” he said.
“There is an ongoing sensitization that started in April being conducted in collaboration with local leaders reminding citizens to prevent erosion in own land. The average size for a land owned by a citizen is nearly a half hectare. We believe it is possible to control erosion on that land,” added Dr. Rukundo.
Since 2012, the Government of Rwanda has allocated almost Rwf3.5 billion for erosion control starting with the most affected districts.
Dr. Rukundo has disclosed that there is a plan to build terraces on 24,948 hectares of land. They will be an addition to more 21,000 hectares terraced over the past four years.
He explained that planting crop-friendly trees, and planting trees along river banks are among other measures being devised to control soil erosion.
Plans are also underway to sensitize companies carrying out mining activities to recycle used water before releasing them into rivers.
Dr. Rukundo has further stressed the need for concerted efforts between different stakeholders considering the complex work it requires for efficient conservation of River Nyabarongo.
Other pointed out pollutants include garbage discharged from households and factories which put at risks the lives of consumers.
Research carried out by the Democratic Green Party in October 2021 indicated that some bird species in the nature along Nyabarongo watercourse disappeared owing to contamination of the river’s water.
“I, therefore, call on all Kenyans and the business community to resume their normal daily activities and get back to the business of building our great nation,” said Head of the Public Service and Chairperson of the NSAC Joseph Kinyua in a statement issued in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
The National Security Advisory Committee (NSAC), which comprises top security and government officials, also assured the country of adequate security as they go about their activities.
The statement came after the Independence Electoral and Boundary Commission (IEBC) on Monday declared William Ruto as the country’s fifth president-elect after garnering 50.49 percent of the total 14.1 million votes cast in a tight presidential race against the veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Ruto’s victory sparked violent protests in some parts of the country Monday, with demonstrators alleging there were irregularities during the tallying of the votes.
Four IEBC commissioners also on Monday distanced themselves from the results that were announced by their chairman Wafula Chebukati, saying they could not support the “opaque” vote count before the declaration, which raises anxiety that the results might be contested at the Supreme Court.
The National Security Advisory Committee, however, confirmed that the nation remains peaceful and secure. Kinyua assured the country that the government would continue to take all necessary measures to ensure that the entirety of the country is safe and secure.
The military in a statement it tweeted said its medical department together with the ministry of health and the World Health Organization will, starting on Aug. 19, vaccinate the troops including those operating along the common border with the DRC.
Ambrose Musinguzi, Chief of Medical Services, said the troops in eastern DRC face a high risk of contracting the deadly disease.
“The vaccine to be applied which is from Merck is 100 percent effective. We have used it before in Uganda not only to health workers but also in districts of Kasese and Bundibugyo and in some units of UPDF (Uganda People’s Defense Force),” said Musinguzi.
Henry Kyobe Bbosa, the UPDF Epidemiologist, said the army medical personnel have been trained as Ebola Rapid Response Team and Vaccinators to contain and control the outbreak.
“We have conducted TOT (Training of Trainers) workshop of 30 experts in different areas who are going to train other medical workers in the field who will in turn be conducting case findings, managing alerts and carry out vaccination. We are also to deploy three mobile laboratories to be able to manage any signal case,” Bbosa said.
He said there are potentially sporadic unmasked Ebola outbreaks that require contingent measures, in case if any of the troops get infected, the rapid response team is able to respond, manage and treat.
Uganda and DRC in November last year launched joint military operations against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an insurgent group hiding in the jungles of eastern DRC.
The ADF is an affiliate of the Islamic State in central Africa and is also blamed for the bombings in the Ugandan capital Kampala last November that left six people dead and 33 others injured.
The Alexander Pushkin Square-Gotera Interchange Road Project, which is a 3.8 km road that incorporates three segments and construction of a two-lane 320 meters tunnel, was contracted by China First Highway Engineering Co., LTD (CFHEC).
Adanech Abiebie, Addis Ababa city Mayor, said during the road project inauguration that the project is a manifestation of Ethiopia’s commitment and dedication to undertake vital development projects in a short period of time with higher quality.
“This road project, in addition to setting a good example of an excellent road project execution for the city and our country, will also tremendously improve the traffic flow in this highly congested part of the city,” Abiebie said.
“We would like to appreciate the Chinese people and government for this magnificent project, both in terms of financing and executing the project,” the mayor added.
She further emphasized that the newly inaugurated road project not only alleviated the traffic flow across its surroundings but also added another aesthetic to the area.
The project’s timely completion, which was commenced with a groundbreaking event back in Oct. 2019, was said to be another milestone that serves as an example for similar large scale development projects in the east African country.
Shen Qinmin, charge d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, on his part said the Alexander Pushkin Square-Gotera Interchange Road Project, is a symbol of cooperation and friendship between China and Ethiopia.
Shen said China and Ethiopia are all-weather brothers. He said the two countries have adopted development strategies that are highly compatible, and engaged in fruitful cooperation that sets the pace for China-Africa cooperation in general.
“China as a developing country fully understands the needs and aspirations of the Ethiopian people and government. We know how important roads or infrastructures are for the coming true of national dreams and economic development as well,” he said.
He affirmed that China continues to be Ethiopia’s genuine, sincere development partner.
Spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the remarks at a regular news briefing in response to a query on the measures China will take to facilitate the import of agricultural and food products from African countries.
The Chinese government attaches importance to strengthening agricultural cooperation with Africa and actively promotes the import of agricultural products from Africa, Wang noted, adding that China is the second largest destination for African agricultural exports.
In recent years, the average growth rate of African agricultural exports to China has reached 11.4 percent. In 2021, African agricultural exports to China increased by 18.23 percent year on year.
At the Eighth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in November last year, China announced the establishment of a “green channel” for African countries’ agricultural products entering China, Wang said.
Wang said the General Administration of Customs formulated and actively implemented several practical measures to facilitate access for such products.
First, the applications of agricultural products from African countries for entry into China are to be considered on a priority basis. After receiving relevant technical data, risk analysis is to be immediately started to accelerate the quarantine work needed for gaining access.
Second, for some agricultural products from the same country with similar processing technologies, or the same agricultural products from different countries, on the premise of controllable risks, the risk assessments will be carried out in a combined manner, thereby speeding up the entry process.
Third, China will facilitate the registration of African enterprises that have been approved for the import of agricultural products, adopting flexible methods such as video inspection or document review to speed up the assessment and registration process.
With the joint efforts of both sides, the trade in agricultural and food products between China and Africa will prosper and develop, he added.
