The incident took place in the Rubavu Sector, Rubavu District at 7:00 p.m. They were arrested by Rwandan soldiers on patrol.
RDF clarified that the soldiers in custody are Assumani Mupenda, 30, and Cpl Anyasaka Nkoi Lucien, 28. Rwanda’s army explained that the soldier from the FARDC was killed because he attempted to shoot at soldiers on patrol, who returned fire, resulting in his death. On the RDF side, none of its soldiers were killed or injured in the clashes.
The FARDC expressed sadness over the soldier’s death and requested assistance from the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM) from the Great Lakes to evacuate the soldiers and retrieve the deceased soldier’s body.
This is not the first instance of an FARDC soldier illegally entering Rwanda’s territory and attempting to shoot at soldiers. Similar incidents occurred in 2022 and 2023, where the intruders were shot and killed.
Out of the 16 CPA papers registered, UoK produced 11 top performers nationally per paper. UoK also registered pass rates which were above the national pass rates for CPA.
The University of Kigali’s Board of Promoters, management and staff have taken this opportunity to recognize and appreciate the 11 students in CPA who emerged the best nationally and all the UoK CPA students for achieving results above the national pass rates.
The exemplary performance by UoK students in the just released results is a testimony to the quality tuition that is provided at the University. The success is attributed to the adequate, competent and high-quality teaching staff with international experience who deliver professional courses.
The University also provides study notes and past examination question banks to all students registered for professional courses. Additionally, UoK offers discount on tuition fees to all internal undergraduate and graduate students pursuing professional programmes.
As a result of the standards implemented, UoK has consistently delivered pass rates which are above the national pass rates in exams over the last 10 examination sittings. This high pass rates are a major contributor to the increase in the enrollment of students pursuing professional programmes.
The continuous choice of UoK every examination sitting by both private and Government sponsored staff is an evidence of the vital role UoK plays in enhancement of professional capacity-building in Rwanda and the entire East African Region.
The University in partnership with the Government of Rwanda has also been offering Certified Public Accounting (CPA) and Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) training to all Government Accountants and Internal Auditors. From August 2016 to date, the programme has attracted over 3,000 Government Staff. Apart from the certification, it is proven that all the staff who have gone through the tuition process have had a significant increase in productivity and the country has benefited tremendously.
UoK is committed to enhancing training, professionalism and capacity-building across all Public Financial Management (PFM) disciplines. The University is fostering valuable partnerships with relevant stakeholders to continuously ensure that this huge deficit is filled.
The university encourages all and sundry to register for professional education at University of Kigali. Registration for the May ICPAR exams is in progress. Classes will start on 9th February, 2024.
Interested individuals can call: +250 781 833 731 for professional programmes admissions
Registration for undergraduate and graduate programmes is also ongoing. Individuals are urged to apply online via: mis.uok.ac.rw/apply or Call: +250 788 303 386/ +250 789 009 221/ /+ 250 788 669 642.
The announcement was made by Lieutenant General Fall Sikabwe, coordinator of military operations of DRC’s military in North Kivu, during the first joint meeting between the DRC military and SADC.
According to the DRC authorities, this SADC military force would carry out offensive operations, essentially targeting the rebels of the March 23 Movement (M23) who occupy several areas in the territory of Masisi and that of Rutshuru, located in the province of North Kivu.
“The SADC comes with an offensive mission. With the mandate of the heads of state member of the SADC, we will initiate large-scale operations against the enemies of the Republic”, said Fall Sikabwe, stressing that he is to put an end to hostility which has persisted for months.
Composed mainly of military elements from South Africa, Tanzania and Malawi, this SADC military force replaces the regional force of the East African Community (EAC). DRC authorities deemed the EAC regional force ineffective and refused to renew its mandate.
For the moment, only South Africa and Malawi have already deployed part of its soldiers in Goma. Tanzania hopes to transfer its elements which are already on Congolese soil within the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, whose mandate should expire by the end of 2024.
Since late Monday, violent fighting broke out between the M23 rebels and the Congolese military in the territory of Masisi. Detonations of heavy and light weapons are heard in these areas, forcing a large number of residents to leave for the town of Sake, the city’s last bulwark.
Goma, a tourist town known for economic activities in the region, was occupied by the M23 for 10 days in December 2012.
Responding to Tanzania’s request, Kenyan authorities granted Air Tanzania the Fifth Freedom Traffic Right for all-cargo services. This allows Air Tanzania to efficiently handle cargo operations, enhancing its international flights and promoting trade partnerships between Kenya and Tanzania.
The diplomatic maneuver, however, prompted a reversal of Tanzania’s earlier decision to withdraw Kenya Airways’ third and fourth freedom traffic rights for passenger services between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. These rights enable airlines to transport passengers and freight between their own country and a foreign country (Third Freedom) and between two foreign countries (Fourth Freedom).
The reinstatement of Kenya Airways’ passenger operations ensures continued connectivity on the vital Dar es Salaam route, benefiting both passengers and businesses. Hamza S. Johari, Director General of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority, emphasized the positive spirit of cooperation between the two countries, expressing confidence that the decision will strengthen aviation and trade relations.
The dynamic nature of air services agreements and the importance of open communication between nations is underscored by this swift resolution. With the ban lifted and both airlines now benefiting from the new agreement, the skies between Tanzania and Kenya are clear for continued growth and cooperation in the aviation sector.
At a press conference, the commission announced that Assoumani secured a total of 33,209 votes, which constitutes 62.97 percent of the total votes and Salim Issa Abdallah from the Juwa party was the runner-up, garnering 20.26 percent of the votes.
Despite the election turnout being a mere 16.3 percent, the commission commended the voters in a press release, stating that they fulfilled their duty in a calm and serene atmosphere. It also expressed appreciation for the mobilization of all those involved in the electoral process.
The Comoros kicked off its first round of the presidential election on Sunday to select the national leader from among six candidates, including Assoumani, for the next five years. Registered voters from the total population of roughly 900,000 cast their ballots at 868 polling stations across the country.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Beninese Minister of Health Benjamin Hounkpatin said the doses of vaccine were acquired by the government with the support of its partners in the health sector, including the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children’s Fund, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which is an important step toward widespread vaccination against one of the most deadly diseases for African children.
“The introduction of the malaria vaccine into the Expanded Program on Immunization is a major step forward in the fight against this disease in Benin,” he said, adding that the administration of the malaria vaccine in highly endemic areas will make it possible to control the disease and save tens of thousands of lives every year.
“The combination of vaccination with other measures to combat malaria, such as the use of insecticide-impregnated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women, and the use of antimalarial drugs, will help to significantly reduce malaria-related deaths,” he said.
Malaria remains endemic in Benin and is the leading cause of death among children under 5, accounting for 40 percent of outpatient consultations and 25 percent of all hospital admissions in the country.
The incident happened at ten o’clock in the morning in the Shangazi business centre near a petrol station. Three of them were injured by the falling structure, and another died.
Narcisse Mupenzi the Mayor of Nyamasheke District has said that immediate rescue efforts were initiated upon learning of the accident.
Unfortunately, one of the victims succumbed to the injuries, while the others were promptly taken to a nearby health facility for medical attention
Mayor Mupenzi mentioned that an investigation has been launched to ascertain the cause of the incident.
In response to the tragedy, Mayor Mupenzi declared a halt to the construction of the building.
The decision was made to demolish the already constructed sections cautiously to prevent further casualties. The priority is to ensure that the demolition is carried out with utmost care to avoid any additional loss of life.
Within the four months at CND, these forces faced relentless attacks, particularly while transporting essential equipment from Mulindi. One harrowing incident unfolded in Gatsata, where RPA soldiers were ambushed from two directions, forcing them to abandon their vehicle and engage in trench warfare. Tragically, one RPA soldier lost his life, but timely intervention from CND allies drove the attackers away.
Another provocation occurred on January 5, 1994, during the celebration of female members of the Transitional Government. Prior to President Habyarimana’s arrival, his scattered bodyguards, attempted to assert security control. However, their efforts were thwarted as the Inkotanyi had also established a base, sparking a brief but intense conflict that ceased instantly.
In the ensuing months, provocations escalated, as confirmed by Sheikh Abdul Karim Harerimana, a prominent RPF Inkotanyi politician who resided in CND. In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Amb. Sheikh Harerimana recounted a critical incident involving Habyarimana’s military plane flying over CND at a low altitude. It was only through Paul Kagame’s decisive leadership that a message was issued to shoot down the plane.
Sheikh Harerimana detailed the event, stating, “They sent a military aircraft, not for combat, but for routine military transportation. It flew over CND, disturbing our peace. After consultations, a message was sent – if it returned for the fourth time, it might not make it back. The plane heeded the warning and did not return.”
The provocations extended beyond government forces, with members of the CDR party, notorious for violence, also antagonizing the RPA and setting up barriers for its representatives. During negotiations between the RPF Inkotanyi and Juvénal Habyarimana’s regime, Lieutenant General (Rtd) Karenzi Karake, holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel at the time, represented the RPA in the UN peacekeeping mission, MINUAR.
Amb. Harelimana revealed that CDR activists disrupted peace in Kigali during negotiations, engaging in protests, violence, road blockades, and even vandalizing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office.
Sheikh Harelimana described the activists’ escalation to attacking CND and attempting to block local roads, demonstrating their audacity and defiance. The provocation of CDR members against Karenzi Karake occurred as he left to visit the Third Battalion in the CND, resulting in roadblocks that prevented the MINUAR meeting at Lando’s place.
“At that time, MINUAR had a meeting supposed to be held at Lando’s place, and they said to each other, ‘no, the meeting will not take place because the CDR has closed the roads’,” explained Sheikh Harelimana. The incident coincided with Lieutenant Colonel Karenzi Karake’s presence in MINUAR, representing the RPF-RPA. Despite roadblocks, Karake persevered, ensuring the meeting took place.
Wearing the MINUAR uniform, Karake proceeded to Chez Lando but encountered a barrier where CDR activists stopped him. Describing the tense moment, Sheikh Harelimana said, “The bullet was released. Of course, our soldiers started shooting. At the CND where we were ready, the boys started firing.”
Sheikh Harelimana underscored that RPA soldiers not only faced challenges from the CDR but also encountered government soldiers hiding in Gishushu. Despite the intensity of the conflict, the resilience and strategic prowess of RPA soldiers prevailed, ensuring the safe return of Karenzi Karake and his accompanying troops to CND.
In the tapestry of untold provocations faced by RPA soldiers at CND, these episodes exemplify their unwavering dedication to peace and liberation, navigating complex challenges with valor and determination.
Timbuktoo, is a pan-African hub based in Rwanda dedicated to nurturing world-class startups and addressing gaps in early-stage risk capital.
On January 17th, President Kagame is expected to engage in a discussion on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) with other leaders. The conversation seeks to explore the progress made towards the functioning of AfCFTA and its future prospects.
President Kagame will also meet with prominent leaders, including the Head of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, the President of Colombia, and Bill Gates for discussions focusing on fostering North-South cooperation to find solutions to global challenges.
The annual meeting, in its 54th iteration, convenes over 2000 world leaders and experts under the theme “Rebuilding Trust.”
The event prioritizes four key areas: 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.
Nearly two weeks earlier, President Evariste Ndayishimiye had accused Rwanda of supporting the Red Tabara armed group, only to later state that no anti-Burundi government factions were collaborating with them.
Traditionally, the Congolese populace utilized the Ruhwa border, connecting Rwanda and Burundi at the Rusizi region, for travel to Uvira and Bukavu, Bujumbura, or vice versa.
The Mapasa company, responsible for transporting passengers between Bujumbura and Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), also relied on the Ruhwa border due to the poor condition of the road from South Kivu to Burundi.
Reports from some newspapers in the DRC suggested that Governor Théo Ngwabidje Kasi of South Kivu is contemplating the renovation of the Bukavu-Ngomo-Uvira road to address the disruption caused by its passage through Rwanda or Burundi.
On January 15, 2024, Governor Kasi, along with investors and contractors, visited the road to assess its condition and determine the necessary steps for the proposed renovation. With the Ruhwa border closed, the only available route for Congolese and Burundians to travel to or from South Kivu is the Kavimvira road, linking Burundi with the DRC.
