The Marines were flying a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a routine training flight from Creech Air Force Base to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar on Tuesday, when the aircraft was reported overdue, according to a release of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
The aircraft was located by civil authorities in Pine Valley, California, at 9:08 a.m. Wednesday.
Efforts to recover the remains of the Marines and equipment have begun and an investigation is underway.
“It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I share the loss of five outstanding Marines from 3d Marine Aircraft Wing and the ‘Flying Tigers’ while conducting a training flight last night,” said Major General Michael J. Borgschulte, commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, in a statement.
It was the second fatal crash for Marines in Southern California involving a Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion, a heavy lift helicopter, in the last six years, according to a Los Angeles Times report.
This budget revision is based on the good execution of the budget during the first half of the fiscal year, which stood at 61% at end December 2023 and allocation of additional resources to key priorities, such as Agriculture, infrastructure and ICT.
“Despite persistent challenges stemming from the effects of COVID-19, global supply chain disruptions, an inflationary environment, and the impact of climate shocks, our economy continues to display strong signs of recovery.
With a 7.6% growth over the first three quarters of 2023, surpassing projections, this budget revision reflects our successes and the effectiveness of the economic recovery plan in sustaining businesses, attracting new investments, generating employment, and ensuring robust social protection for vulnerable citizens,” stated Minister Ndagijimana.
{{Key changes in the 2023-2024 revised budget}}
Resources are expected to increase by 1.7% from Rwf5,030 billion to 5,115.6 billion, driven mainly by increase in external grants and loans.
Meanwhile, government spending is expected to increase by 1.7%, rising from Rwf 5,030.0 billion to Rwf5,115.6 billion. The revision in spending reflects changes in recurrent spending, capital expenditure, and net lending outlays.
President Andrzej Duda explored Kibeho, renowned for the apparitions of the Virgin Mary, on Thursday, February 8, 2024. His visit was met with a warm reception from various officials, including the Governor of the Southern Province, Kayitesi Alice, and the Mayor of Nyaruguru District, Dr. Murwanashyaka Emmanuel.
Leaders in the Catholic Church of Rwanda, including the Archbishop of Kigali, Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, and the Bishop of Gikongoro Diocese, Hakizimana Célestin, also extended a warm welcome to President Duda.
Kibeho holds significance as one of the most renowned places in the world within the Catholic Church due to the Virgin Mary’s apparitions in this area. The first apparition occurred on November 28, 1981, when the Virgin Mary appeared to a girl named Mumureke Alphonsine, who was studying at the ‘Mère du Verbe’ school in Kibeho.
Subsequent apparitions took place, including Mukamazimpaka Anathalie and Mukangano Marie Claire, both students at the same school. This annual pilgrimage site attracts thousands of devout pilgrims each year.
Father Harerimana François, the director of the Virgin Mary Sanctuary in Kibeho, recently told IGIHE that President Andrzej Duda’s visit marks a historic moment, as he becomes the first Head of State to explore the sacred grounds, further enhancing the area’s reputation.
President Andrzej Duda, accompanied by his wife, commenced their working visit to Rwanda on Tuesday, January 6.
The itinerary ncluded a visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial, participation in Rwanda-Poland Business Forum, talks with President Paul Kagame and the signing of a cooperation agreement between the two countries. The agreements cover various sectors, including technology, environmental protection, geology, and energy.
Gasana, currently facing charges of soliciting and receiving bribes and abusing power for personal gain, was granted permission by Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) to be temporarily released to participate in his son’s wedding in December last year.
Havugiyaremye emphasized that this action is in accordance with Article 27 of the Correctional Services Law, defining conditions under which a prisoner can be released from custody.
According to the mentioned article, a prisoner may be allowed to leave the prison “at any time the prison administration has determined that there is no legal risk.” Havugiyaremye highlighted that such permissions are not unique to Gasana and have been granted to others in the past, asserting that it is a standard practice regulated by the law.
The Commissioner General of RCS, CGP Evariste Murenzi, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that giving permission to a detained person is a routine procedure. He clarified that applicants must submit a written request, which is then assessed by RCS management for approval.
The Commissioner General emphasized that the process is open to anyone else in need of permission, provided they follow the proper application and review procedures outlined by RCS management.
On the second day of his visit, February 7, 2024, President Duda explored various sections of the LuNa Smelter factory, gaining insights into the processing of precious stones sourced from Rwanda and other parts of Africa.
During the Poland-Rwanda business forum held in Kigali on Wednesday, President Duda expressed that Poland’s support to Rwanda in technology and research is built on a partnership model.
He stated, “It assumes the implementation of projects in cooperation with local communities and using local resources. This is the case of the tin smelter in Kigali – the largest Polish and EU investment in Rwanda. Thanks to this project, Rwanda has become the largest tin processor in the entire Central and East African region.”
LuNa Smelter Ltd, operational in Jabana in the Gasabo District since 2018, has the capacity to melt 360 tons of cassiterite per month. The facility employs 50 permanent staff and additional casual workers.
The processed tin metals derived from these precious stones serve various purposes, including metal welding, battery manufacturing for certain vehicles, glassmaking, and the production of telephones and computers, among other applications.
Munyeshuli highlighted that Poland and Rwanda possess distinct capabilities and resources that can be leveraged for mutual gain.
In recent years, Rwanda has emerged as a promising destination for foreign investments, particularly in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy.
Conversely, Poland stands out with its diversified economy and expertise in various industries.
Rwanda Development Board (RDB) data reveals the registration of at least four Polish projects in Rwanda, valued at 72.3 million dollars. These initiatives have generated over 330 jobs in crucial sectors like health, energy, ICT services, and construction.
Discussing the Rwandan government’s efforts in diverse sectors such as agriculture, technology, and eco-friendly economic activities, Munyeshuli sees an opportunity for Polish investors to engage in mutually beneficial collaboration.
In addressing potential areas of investment, she suggested that Polish investors could explore opportunities in agriculture, food processing, and modern livestock farming.
Emphasizing that investment in Rwanda extends beyond financial figures, Munyeshuli stressed the importance of finding solutions to citizens’ problems, particularly through job creation and valuable experiences.
In his address, President Kagame acknowledged the shared potential between Rwanda and Poland, highlighting Rwanda’s conducive investment environment.
He underscored the country’s commitment to innovation, having overcome challenges by prioritizing the needs of its citizens—a strategy he deemed the best investment made.
The Head of State outlined Rwanda’s focus on developing key sectors like health, tourism, and sports, aspiring to become the preferred destination for investors, both regionally and internationally.
Meanwhile, Polish President Andrzej Duda remarked on the consideration of Rwandan investments by Polish companies, citing the appeal of the local market’s security and stability.
He pointed out that Rwanda offers sought-after stability, high-level management, excellent investment conditions, abundant natural resources, and a population known for its ambition and hard work.
On February 7, 2024, the governments of Rwanda and Poland formalized their collaboration through a signed agreement covering various sectors, including agriculture, security, mining, and technology.
The MINUSCA Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Amb.Valentine Rugwabiza handed over the award to RWAPSU1-8 contingent commander, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gilbert Safari, on Wednesday, February 7.
The event to award the MINUSCA outstanding performers was also attended by the Head of Police Component, Commissioner of Police (CP) Christophe Bizimungu.
The RWAPSU1-8 was recognized for its “professionalism and outstanding contribution in human security activities.”
“This certificate is issued to Rwanda PSU for its commitment and contribution to community activities, blood donation, medicine donation, sanitation, water distribution and other charitable activities for the benefit of the Central African Republic civilian population, which is in line with the mandate of MINUSCA,” the MINUSCA message reads.
It adds: “Due to its dynamism, its professionalism, its self-sacrifice, and its sense of responsibility, the Rwanda PSU has achieved commendable results, which have allowed it to be at the forefront in supporting communities.”
“The MINUSCA shows all its consideration to RWAPSU and expresses its respect for the protection of civilians and more specifically the vulnerable people.”
The SRSG encouraged the contingent to maintain its professionalism to fulfill the MINUSCA mandate especially on protection of civilians.
The Rwanda Protection Support Unit of 140 officers, is one of the four Rwanda Police contingents deployed in Central African Republic, largely to protect civilians.
The PSU is particularly tasked to ensure close protection of high profile officials, including the Prime Minister of CAR, President of the National Assembly, the Minister of Justice, SRSG and the two deputies, and Head of MINUSCA Police Component, among others.
“European agriculture is losing its competitiveness. Polish farmers have suffered the most significant losses due to the influx of agricultural products from Ukraine,” Siekierski was quoted by local media as saying.
The minister said that he and his colleagues would hold talks at the Ministry of Finance on Thursday to discuss how to support the agriculture sector. “In addition to low-interest loans, there should be subsidies for cereals and possibly fertilizers,” he said.
According to Wiktor Szmulewicz, the president of the National Council of Agricultural Chambers, farmers oppose the implementation of the European Green Deal and the import of agricultural products from Ukraine, demanding support for animal husbandry.
Farmers announced a country-wide thirty-day protest scheduled to start on Friday. One of their reasons is the European Union (EU)’s extension of duty-free trade in agricultural goods with Ukraine until 2025. Additionally, they also want a departure from the requirements of the so-called Green Deal, saying that it hampers agricultural production in the bloc by imposing additional environmental regulations.
UNMISS said 16 undeclared boxes of ammunition were detected among cargo on a charter flight that landed Tuesday in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
“I would like to underscore that UNMISS itself took immediate action to alert the South Sudanese authorities to this regrettable incident as soon as we became aware. It is important to be open and honest in these situations, and the mission is now working closely with the government to address this issue,” said Nicholas Haysom, the special representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, in a statement issued here.
It noted that the rotating contingent did not advise UNMISS that it intended to transport ammunition, adding that the incoming contingent had been informed by the mission in advance of the flight that ammunition should not be included in the cargo as there was no clearance for these items.
UNMISS said that the ammunition was not declared on the manifest that had been provided to and cleared by the government of South Sudan.
“When the ammunition was discovered by UNMISS while the cargo was being unloaded in Juba, the mission immediately informed all relevant authorities within the government of South Sudan,” it said.
The peacekeeping mission also said that it would raise this matter with the troop-contributing country for further action.
The peacekeeping mission in South Sudan is composed of 17,954 personnel, including 13,221 troops, 200 experts on mission, 1,468 police personnel, 2,268 civilians and 389 staff officers, and 408 UN Volunteers.
The highly anticipated five-day challenge, held in Dubai from February 3, witnessed the participation of two RNP SWAT teams: RNP SWAT Team-1 and RNP SWAT Team-2.
This marked the third consecutive year that RNP actively engaged in the annual event, renowned for emphasizing mental acuity and physical endurance.
The challenge serves as a platform for the exchange of tactical techniques and skills among international SWAT teams, fostering global cooperation and the sharing of best practices.
SWAT teams from Europe, Asia, North America, South America, and Africa converge at the Dubai SWAT training facility each year to compete in five categories: tactical event, assault event, officer rescue event, tower event, and obstacle course.
In the overall standings, RNP SWAT Team-1 secured an impressive 12th position, while RNP SWAT Team-2 claimed the 19th spot out of the 73 participating SWAT teams from across continents.
Notably, RNP SWAT Team-1 demonstrated exceptional prowess by clinching the title of the ‘Overall Best Team in Obstacle Course,’ underscoring their proficiency in navigating challenging terrains.
Meanwhile, RNP SWAT Team-2 displayed commendable performance, securing the 6th position in the same category.
The UAE SWAT Challenge continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing collaboration and mutual learning among SWAT teams globally, and Rwanda National Police’s commendable performance further solidifies its standing on the international stage.
