The Sudanese Doctors Network reported that 15 people were killed and five injured in an RSF attack on the Bardik area and nearby villages.
Separately, Ibrahim Khatir, director-general of North Darfur State’s health ministry, told Xinhua that three people were killed in an artillery attack on the Saudi Hospital in El Fasher, the capital city of North Darfur State. Medical staff at the hospital were unharmed.
Fierce clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF have been ongoing in El Fasher since May 10. The city, home to approximately 1.5 million people, including 800,000 internally displaced persons, has been severely affected by the conflict.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which began in mid-April 2023, has resulted in over 24,850 deaths and displaced millions of people, according to the latest estimates from international organizations.
What began as a controversy involving Donald Trump’s camp soon spread to include Democratic President Joe Biden, reflecting the hostile and fear-driven tone that has come to define this unusual and tension-filled campaign season.
{{Trump Camp’s Controversial Rally Incident}}
At a major Trump rally held on October 27 at Madison Square Garden, the campaign found itself on the defensive.
During the event, a comedian shocked the crowd with a tasteless joke, referring to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.”
The backlash was swift, with Puerto Rican celebrities and Latino community leaders condemning the remark. This incident risked alienating a crucial Latino electorate, especially the sizable Puerto Rican community in Pennsylvania—a key battleground state.
Vice President Kamala Harris quickly seized on the moment, criticizing Trump’s team for insulting Puerto Rico, which forced Trump to distance himself from the comedian, Tony Hinchcliffe.
{{Biden’s Verbal Slip-up}}
Just as the controversy seemed to settle, President Joe Biden found himself in hot water after appearing to call Trump supporters “garbage” on October 29.
Although Biden clarified that he was criticizing the comedian’s offensive remarks, not Trump’s supporters, the damage was done.
According to The Guardian, this blunder undermined the unifying message Harris had delivered that same day. Republicans were quick to capitalize on the gaffe, with echoes of Hillary Clinton’s infamous “basket of deplorables” comment from 2016.
Trump’s campaign seized on the opportunity, sending out a fundraising email titled, “You are not garbage! I love you!” Trump even appeared the next day in a sanitation worker’s vest, dramatically posing on the front of a garbage truck.
{{From “Stupid” to “Petty Tyrant”}}
In this closing stretch, the campaign has devolved into a series of personal attacks and outright insults.
Trump’s campaign rhetoric has included calling Kamala Harris “stupid,” questioning her sobriety, and dismissing her as a “garbage vice president.”
Harris responded by labeling Trump a “petty tyrant.” The Wall Street Journal columnist Daniel Henninger lamented that the 2024 campaign has deteriorated into “pure hostility” with no substantive discussion, featuring endless personal attacks and vulgarity.
{{A Campaign of Fear}}
Both candidates have increasingly played on negative emotions, particularly fear, to mobilize voters.
As the Wall Street Journal noted in an article translated by Courrier International, this election season has sparked a “national panic attack” just days before the vote.
With dramatic twists—including Biden stepping back, assassination attempts on Trump, and Harris’s late entry into the race—the race to the White House has remained extremely close, fueling anxiety on both sides.
For many Americans, the stakes feel existential, with the future of the nation resting on the outcome of Tuesday’s vote.
The hackathon, which began on November 2, 2024, brings together a diverse range of participants, including university students, recent graduates, and professionals, all eager to address Kigali’s unique climate challenges such as flooding, heat waves, and infrastructure strain.
During the launch, Justice Oyakhilome Anthony, the Team Leader of UNLEASH Hack Kigali, highlighted the importance of the event in building awareness and fostering collaboration around urban resilience.
“UNLEASH Hacks Kigali is a call to action for young minds to come together and co-create sustainable solutions that can withstand climate impacts. This platform not only raises awareness about climate resilience but also builds the skills and capacity needed to develop actionable solutions for Kigali’s urban spaces.” Anthony stated.
“We aim to create practical, innovative strategies that can contribute to a better quality of life for the city’s residents,” he added.
The hackathon, themed “Climate Resilient Urban Areas,” encourages participants to develop solutions tailored to the challenges faced by Kigali and similar urban centers in developing countries.
The event structure includes ideation workshops, team-building exercises, mentorship sessions with climate experts and urban planners, and a final pitch session where teams will present their solutions to a panel of judges.
One of the participants, Tahel Imena, a student from Bridge2 Rwanda Academy, shared her passion for climate action, reflecting on her past experiences and aspirations.
“I was a facilitator in the Climate Economy class at school, where I learned about the global urgency of climate change mitigation. It’s something we all need to act on,” Imena said.
She explained that developing countries are faced with climate change issues, from air pollution to floods, especially in vulnerable areas like slums. “I’m here to learn more and understand how we can address these challenges. It’s intriguing to think about what people need and how governments can help,” she pointed out.
As participants dive into solution development, mentors and facilitators guide them through design thinking and problem-framing workshops.
By the end of the event, the goal is to produce innovative solutions and actionable plans to improve climate resilience in Kigali. Selected solutions will receive recognition and potential support for implementation.
The UNLEASH Hacks Kigali has garnered support from multiple partners, including the government, local universities, and sustainability-focused companies, signaling the city’s commitment to fostering a climate-resilient future.
The event, hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, the World Trade Organization, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and the International Trade Center, provides Rwanda with a unique platform to strengthen its foothold in one of the world’s largest markets.
Since its inception in 2018, the CIIE has been a catalyst for Rwanda’s trade engagement with China, contributing to significant growth in both exports and investment. Rwanda’s Ambassador to China, H.E. James Kimonyo, underscored the importance of the expo in fostering economic ties between the two nations.
“Our participation in the China International Import Expo is not just about showcasing our products; it’s about building strong bridges for lasting partnerships and opening more doors for Rwandan businesses in one of the world’s largest markets,” he said.
“This event symbolizes China’s commitment to global economic cooperation, and Rwanda is seizing the opportunity to deepen its trade relationships,” he added.
Rwanda’s participation has seen marked success in previous years, with export values to China increasing from $39 million in 2018 to $131.2 million in 2023. China has also emerged as Rwanda’s top source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) over the past five years, underscoring the robust economic partnership between the two nations.
The 2024 expo will feature a strong presence from Rwanda’s agribusiness sector, with exporters keen to capitalize on China’s demand for high-quality agricultural products.
The Rwandan delegation, led by Hon. Prudence Sebahizi, Minister of Trade and Industry, aims to secure further investment opportunities while promoting tourism through side meetings, live-streaming events, and roadshows.
Rwanda’s relationship with China has flourished over the past five decades, culminating in a recent upgrade to a comprehensive strategic partnership, a milestone achieved in September when leaders from both countries met at the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation Summit in Beijing.
This strengthened partnership reflects the enduring and multi-faceted cooperation between Rwanda and China, spanning education, health, infrastructure, manufacturing, and trade.
In addition to highlighting Rwanda’s distinctive exports, such as specialty tea, coffee, and chili, the expo offers Rwanda the chance to engage directly with Chinese consumers and e-commerce platforms.
“Since 2019, Rwanda has used creative marketing approaches like live streaming to attract e-commerce users in China, which has led to valuable market opportunities for our products,” noted Ambassador Kimonyo.
The strategic collaboration through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has further solidified China’s commitment to African development.
As the trade volume between Rwanda and China reached an impressive $551.9 million in 2023, up from $300.1 million in 2019, both nations anticipate continued economic growth and closer cooperation.
The CIIE provides Rwanda an invaluable platform to showcase its potential and strengthen its economic engagement with China.
With the groundwork already laid through years of bilateral cooperation and strategic investments, Rwandan businesses are set to leverage this expo as a gateway to even greater economic opportunities.
While speaking at a high-profile discussion on African agriculture held in Des Moines, Iowa, on October 30, 2024, Samia unveiled a strategic roadmap focused on three main pillars: irrigation infrastructure, technology access, and market expansion.
Her commitment is clear: Tanzania aims not just to feed its own people, but to play a key role in securing food for the region.
“The first cornerstone in this agricultural revolution is a massive investment in irrigation infrastructure. By prioritizing large-scale irrigation projects, the Tanzanian government seeks to transform seasonal farming into year-round productivity,” she said.
This approach not only bolsters resilience against erratic rainfall patterns but also enables a stable supply of crops, addressing both local consumption needs and the potential for export. With this infrastructure, Tanzania is preparing to increase food production sustainably and efficiently, aiming to put more Tanzanian crops on African tables.
With eyes also set on innovation, President Samia’s administration is driving initiatives to connect farmers with cutting-edge agricultural technology and high-quality inputs. By collaborating with development partners, Tanzania plans to supply farmers with tools and methods that promise better yields and healthier crops.
“This shift to modernized farming will empower Tanzanian farmers to produce higher-value crops with quality that meets both local demands and global standards. It’s a vision that sees farmers at the forefront of economic progress, using technology to build prosperity and independence,” said the Head of State.
For Tanzania’s agricultural growth to reach its full potential, President Samia says that market access is key. By opening up both domestic and international markets for Tanzanian products, her administration is creating pathways for farmers to earn more from their efforts.
According to her, expanding markets means more than economic gain; it’s about creating a dynamic agricultural sector that can fuel Tanzanian development, attract global partnerships, and position Tanzania as a food powerhouse in Africa.
“We intend to position Tanzania as a central player in the quest for food security in Africa. With strategies that encourage sustainable practices, promote innovative technology, and open new market opportunities,” she emphasized.
She said that her country’s agricultural transformation is more than a national agenda it’s a plan to uplift communities across the continent and through her leadership, President Samia intends not only to transform Tanzania’s agricultural sector but is also set a powerful example of how strategic action in agriculture can be a cornerstone for growth and resilience across Africa.
Tanzania’s international trade has experienced a striking 84% increase, rising from USD 17.4 billion to USD 31.4 billion in just over three years. Exports have nearly doubled, from $8.4 billion to $15 billion. Imports have also increased from $9 billion to $16.4 billion. The country’s external debt increased from $24.4 billion to $32.6 billion, a 33% rise.
Globally, emerging economies have recently adopted calculated borrowing as it supports critical investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and technology. This benefits not just today’s population but also generations to come.
In addition to giving established celebrities a platform to reach an even wider audience, the app continues to create overnight sensations, turning simple acts into captivating performances that showcase talent and charisma.
From famous Senegalese-Italian influencer Khaby Lame to Uganda’s rising star Rango Tenge Tenge, Turkish chef Salt Bae, Kenya’s beauty Azziad Nasenya, and Rwanda’s content creator Judy, TikTok’s influence is truly astonishing.
In recent weeks, Rwanda’s taxi moto rider Sadi Bizumuremyi has emerged as a rising star on TikTok. The 26-year-old has leveraged the short video platform to promote his business while captivating his growing audience with engaging content that entertains and highlights life in Rwanda.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Sadi shared that he has been in the taxi moto business for about six months after quitting his job as an Arabic course tutor at Ashakirina Academy in Nyanza to start his own enterprise. He secured his previous position after completing online courses offered by an institution based in Saudi Arabia.
According to Sadi, the decision to quit his teaching job was influenced by his strong desire for self-employment and financial freedom.
“I realized I needed to be financially stable before pursuing anything else. Even if I decide to return to teaching, I must first secure my finances, as it will allow me to perform my job much better,” Sadi remarked.
However, like many people keen to venture into self-employment, his main obstacle was capital, as he did not have enough money to start his long-harboured dream of a motor vehicle taxi business.
After some soul-searching, he borrowed money from a friend and added it to his savings to purchase a motorcycle and kickstart his business.
Initially, as a newcomer in the taxi moto sector, Sadi found it challenging to attract customers. However, necessity is the mother of invention, and that’s when he turned to social media, primarily WhatsApp, to connect with potential clients.
“It was really hard to get customers despite having over 600 friends on WhatsApp who could see my status. I realized many people in my country prefer motorcycles because they’re cheap and fast, yet they didn’t know I was in this business. So, I started posting on my WhatsApp status to let them know: ‘I’m riding motorcycles now—please give me some work!’” Sadi explained.
“That’s how I began posting every day before heading to work. I would stand in front of my door, wearing my jacket and helmet, and shoot a short video saying, ‘I’m ready for work—please give me some jobs!’”
Soon after, he started receiving requests from friends for rides or deliveries around Kigali. In the process, he also met two sisters from Nigeria who were running a startup in the city. They advised him to elevate his business by opening a TikTok account in early October.
“The Nigerian sisters gave me a job and encouraged me, saying, ‘You’re doing well! Why not share what you do on TikTok and other social media platforms? Show others your work and become a professional.’ I thought that sounded great!” he added.
Most of his TikTok videos have gone viral, with his growing community of followers praising him for his professionalism, business acumen, and humorous character.
“Since then, they text me, ‘Hi Motari, can you pick me up?’ I’ve gained so many customers that I can’t even keep track. For example, today, people are already reaching out for tomorrow. I plan my day based on these requests, knowing exactly who I’ll pick up until my day ends.”
Sadi is also fluent in English, and his mastery of the Queen’s language has set him apart from his colleagues in the moto taxi sector, who mainly converse in Kinyarwanda. This has made him a favourite among foreigners, who are increasingly sharing his videos and giving him errands around the city.
Rwanda is among the few countries that have successfully regulated the taxi moto business, attracting admiration from neighbouring countries and beyond. Sadi believes that the measures put in place by the government have helped instil discipline and order in the taxi moto sector, significantly reducing road carnage.
“It’s all about our safety. For example, when they tell you to wear your helmet, it’s for your protection. Similarly, the rule about not carrying more than one passenger on your motorcycle is also for your safety,” Sadi advises.
The rider hopes that his newfound fame will propel him to even greater heights of financial freedom, enabling him to start a taxi business or driving school.
“If I earn more money, I plan to start a driving school or a taxi business with multiple cars, helping people get to their destinations.”
He encourages young people to dream big and embrace any opportunities that come their way with open arms.
“You can start small and grow bigger because you know where you want to be,” he concludes.
The refugees, from various African countries facing instability, were unable to secure the peace and freedom they sought, with many failing in their attempts to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe. Instead, they found themselves detained in Libya.
A temporary camp was established in Rwanda, where they received various forms of assistance while awaiting permanent resettlement options, including relocation to other countries.
In August, the Government of Rwanda and its partners renewed the agreement to receive more refugees and asylum seekers. In collaboration with the European Union, the capacity of the Gashora transit center was expanded, raising its accommodation limit from 500 to 700 people.
Since the program began, UNHCR reports that by September 2024, Rwanda had hosted 2,474 refugees. Most of them are from Eritrea, Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, though a few also come from West African countries.
By the end of September 2024, UNHCR statistics show that 1,817 refugees had been resettled in other countries, while 698 remained at the Gashora transit center, including 119 refugees and asylum seekers who just arrived in Rwanda on 26 September. The main resettlement destinations include Canada, Sweden, the United States, Finland, Norway, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Their well-being is monitored daily by the Rwandan Government, through the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA), and UNHCR, with support from partners including the European Union and Denmark.
{{A New Life Begins
}}
Many refugees have varied reasons for fleeing their home countries, with war, insecurity, and persecution being the primary drivers. These challenges forced them to seek passage from Libya to Europe by sea. However, for many, these hopes tragically ended, as they either fell into the hands of armed groups in Libya or suffered from dangerous boat journeys.
Abdallah Mohamed Altahir, a father of three from Sudan, currently lives at the Gashora transit center with his wife and children. He told IGIHE that he decided to leave Sudan due to the ongoing civil war.
“In 2023, my wife, our three children, and I decided to leave Sudan for Libya because of insecurity,” he said. “Once we reached Libya, the situation was no better than in Sudan, as armed groups constantly threatened us. Each day, new dangers arose, with no one to help us.”
Abdallah explained that he sought asylum with UNHCR in Libya and was eventually selected for resettlement in Rwanda, an option he had not anticipated.
“Coming to Rwanda was a surprise,” he said. “Arriving here felt like being lifted from a blazing fire to a safe place. For the first time, I felt genuinely welcomed, and it restored my hope in life.”
Similarly, Hussein Fakeya Abader, a young woman from Ethiopia, arrived at the Gashora camp in late 2022. She left Ethiopia for Libya due to conflict and endured hardships, including losing sight in one eye.
“Life in Libya was terrible. I saw people suffer, people killed on the streets, and others assaulted. I never want to return to Libya,” she shared.
Since arriving in Rwanda, Fakeya says her life has transformed. “When I learned I was going to Rwanda, I was very happy. After arriving, we were welcomed, settled, and even received medical care.”
At the Gashora transit center, asylum seekers and refugees live freely, receive food, and engage in recreational activities. Children attend regular classes, and adults can study English, French, Kinyarwanda, and vocational skills like driving, hairdressing, tailoring, and computing.
Although grateful for the warm welcome in Rwanda, many still hope to resettle in Western countries, where they believe they can secure a better future for themselves and their families.
Launched in 2021 under the patronage of Mrs. Maïté Relecom, the scholarship program has grown into a life-changing initiative for the children of SKOL Brewery Ltd employees.
The scholarship program provides funding not only for secondary school students but also supports those pursuing undergraduate studies and those enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs.
By covering a wide spectrum of educational needs, SKOL ensures that recipients have the resources and support to pursue both academic and practical career pathways.
In a statement, the brewer noted that more than 265 secondary school students and 30 scholars in higher education have benefited from the scholarship program since its inception three years ago.
The impact is widely felt, with students and parents alike acknowledging the tangible relief and opportunities it brings.
One parent shared, “SKOL’s scholarship has fully covered my children’s school fees, allowing me to direct those resources toward building our family’s future.”
As SKOL Brewery Ltd celebrates this year’s new recipients, it reaffirms its commitment to nurturing young talents as the future leaders of tomorrow.
“Through this scholarship program, SKOL not only invests in the students’ academic journeys but also in Rwanda’s continued growth and development by helping equip its future workforce with the education and skills to succeed,” the company affirmed.
Mrs. Kagame made the remarks during the Qatar Foundation’s commemoration of the 30th International Year of the Family on Thursday, October 31, 2024, highlighting the essential role of family in fostering sustainable development.
“Today’s exchange calls for reflection, but also experience, on the transformative journey that can successfully take a people from deprivation to prosperity,” Mrs. Kagame stated.
The First Lady stressed the importance of addressing poverty through a holistic lens. She pointed out that the narrative surrounding poverty often reduces individuals to mere statistics, stripping them of their resilience and potential.
Mrs. Kagame challenged the prevailing measures of economic success, such as GDP per capita, arguing they often fail to capture the true quality of life experienced by individuals, particularly in nations marked by inequality.
“If “poor” or “rich” are to be pertinent qualifiers of human development for entire nations, shouldn’t there be a more accurate and culturally-sensitive barometer, of the quality of one’s well-being, than the one that we currently uphold?” she posed.
The First Lady’s perspective aims to shift the dialogue from merely quantifying wealth to understanding the dynamics of prosperity and human development.
She called for a generational mindset shift regarding the term “poor country” and the associated narratives that often perpetuate stigma.
“Behind facts and figures, behind statistics, are real families, with aspirations and desires similar to everyone else’s: the health and success of our children,” she urged.
“The futures of those who have abundance are closely connected with the lives of those in need. We must recognize that our fates are interconnected… So, we must all ask ourselves: Will this generation, at last, be the one to end extreme poverty? We are equipped with the resources, incentives and I dare hope, humanity, to do so.”
Reflecting on Rwanda’s journey since liberation three decades ago, Mrs. Kagame shared the nation’s strides toward eradicating poverty through innovative governance and social policies. She pointed to significant advancements, such as Universal Healthcare (Mutuelle de Sante), which covers over 98% of Rwandans, and initiatives like the Integrated Model Villages, which provide comprehensive support to vulnerable families.
“Since 2000, the Rwandan economy has multiplied more than seven times, and Rwandans’ life expectancy has increased from 47 years to 70 years and rising,” she noted.
Mrs. Kagame also emphasized the importance of partnerships in achieving these goals, thanking the Qatar Foundation for its collaboration on projects aimed at ensuring that no child is left out of education.
“We take this opportunity to celebrate the solid partnership between the Government of Rwanda and Qatar Foundation. The Zero Out of School Project, spearheaded by Education Above All, offers an encouraging prospect that no child shall miss school, by re-enrolling all dropouts. Thank you for committing to this noble cause,” she thanked the foundation.
She also highlighted the significance of environmental sustainability in Rwanda’s development agenda. With climate change posing a substantial threat, Mrs. Kagame highlighted Rwanda’s efforts that have seen access to electricity increase from 6% to 75% in just 15 years, with a focus on renewable resources.
This, she asserted, is crucial for fostering a healthy and prosperous society capable of sustaining thriving families.
The First Lady is recognised globally for her dedication to vulnerable communities. She champions family well-being through her leadership at Imbuto Foundation and other organisations she patrons. Her initiatives focus on health, education, and social protection for marginalized groups.
Kindiki, 52, was sworn in during a brief ceremony held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, a day after the High Court lifted conservatory orders that had blocked his swearing-in for about two weeks following a litany of cases filed challenging Gachagua’s ouster.
In his inaugural speech as Kenya’s Second-in-Command, Kindiki pledged unwavering loyalty and faithfulness to President William Ruto—a quality believed to have been lacking in Gachagua, contributing to the fallout between them and ultimately resulting in his hasty removal from office.
“I commit to being loyal and faithful. I will do my best to work hard alongside my colleagues to lighten the burden you have on your shoulders,” Kindiki stated.
Kindiki is among the top candidates considered as President Ruto’s running mate for his presidential campaign in 2022. He is a seasoned lawyer and former senator who represented Tharaka Nithi County between 2013 and 2022.
He was also part of a team of lawyers who represented Ruto at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, in the crimes against humanity case related to the 2007-2008 post-election violence. The charges against Ruto were later vacated due to insufficient evidence.
President Ruto, in his remarks during the swearing-in ceremony on Friday, lauded the former Minister of Interior as a dedicated professional whose commitment to excellence has helped the country overcome daunting challenges, describing him as a tireless public servant in national leadership.
He praised Kindiki as a patriot whose dedication to cohesion, national unity, and inclusivity is beyond reproach and a loyal steward of the government’s economic transformation agenda.
As Minister of Interior, President Ruto noted, Kindiki had consistently delivered results beyond expectations.
The Kenyan Head of State urged his new deputy to serve selflessly and with dedication, loyalty, and integrity to the people of Kenya.
“My brother, serve the nation without bias or favouritism, so the people of Kenya see that we are united as one country, one people, bound by our constitutional duty,” President Ruto said.
“The people of Kenya require a patriotic public servant and consummate champion of our constitutional dispensation, our broad-based national governance framework, and the bottom-up economic transformation agenda to support the cabinet and the President in delivering in full and on time,” he added.
In his speech, the President appeared to take a dig at Gachagua, who had been accused of undermining the President and Cabinet resolutions.
President Ruto expressed frustration over feeling like a “lonely voice” within the Executive, lacking support to effectively communicate his administration’s programs.
“I need your voice. I need your intellect to help me and members of our cabinet to profile and articulate the things we are doing,” President Ruto told Kindiki while commenting on what his administration has been missing over the past two years.
During his impeach in parliament, the former Deputy President faced 11 grounds for removal from office. A majority of the Senators upheld his impeachment on five grounds, including inciting ethnic divisions by likening the government to a sharing holding company and violating his oath of office. He was cleared of six charges, including corruption and money laundering.
Recently, [Gachagua went berserk on his boss->https://en.igihe.com/politics-48/article/kenya-gachagua-fires-salvos-at-president-ruto-alleges-assassination-plot?var_mode=preview], accusing him of sponsoring his impeachment after disagreements over government policies, including additional taxes.
The former Deputy President claimed that his impeachment followed two failed assassination attempts, involving poisoning of his food, by state operatives.
He made the claims after being discharged from Karen Hospital in Nairobi, where he had been hospitalized with chest pains as the Senate debated his impeachment motion on October 17, 2024.
The 59-year-old is in court to challenge his removal from office, hoping to clear his name, as the impeachment means he cannot hold public office again or enjoy his retirement benefits.
