The committee said in a statement that the review of the bid is scheduled for Dec. 26.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed Sweden’s NATO accession protocol and submitted it to the parliament in October.
For ratification, the bill needs to be approved by the commission before being put to a full parliament vote.
After Russia launched its military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, Sweden and Finland submitted applications to join NATO in May.
Türkiye approved Finland’s membership to NATO in March but has slow-walked Sweden’s accession, demanding the Nordic country to further address Ankara’s security concerns.
The two new provinces, Cassai-Zambeze and Cubango, will be formed from the current provinces of Moxico and Cuando Cubango in eastern Angola. This will increase the number of provinces from 18 to 20.
According to the Facebook page of the Presidency of Angola, the proposal to change the administrative division received a positive evaluation from the Council of the Republic, guided by President Joao Lourenco, in the national capital of Luanda.
As per information from the official website of the Angolan government, the current provinces of Moxico and Cuando Cubango are the two largest in the country in terms of area.
Additionally, Angola will elevate 161 communes and urban districts to the category of municipalities in 2025, increasing the total number of municipalities from 164 to 325.
Adao de Almeida was quoted by local media as saying that the strategy to implement the new provinces and municipalities will prioritize the preparation of the general state budget, human resources, and infrastructure.
Rwanda possesses valuable minerals such as Cassiterite, Wolfram, Coltan, Gold, Lithium, and Gemstones (Amethyst, Sapphire, Beryl, and Tourmaline). In recent years, the revenue generated from these minerals fluctuated, with a significant increase observed in 2020 and 2021, reaching $733 million and $516 million, respectively.
This growth is attributed to research, the identification of new mining sites, and collaboration with investors to enhance production. Mechanization within mining companies has also contributed to the upswing. However, despite these positive developments, a substantial amount of production is still lost due to the export of unprocessed minerals.
According to Ambassador Yamina Karitanyi, the CEO of RMB, exporting minerals without value addition results in significant losses, including taxes and the loss of valuable precious stones. For instance, the export of unprocessed gold containing copper or crude Coltan with additional minerals like niobium leads to a 44% loss in revenue.
To address this issue, the Gasabo Gold Refinery was established in 2017 with an investment exceeding Rwf5 billion. Although it currently operates at 30% of its capacity, processing 28.8 tons per year, the facility aims to increase the value of gold before export.
Additionally, plans are underway to construct processing plants for Lithium and Wolfram, aligning with Rwanda’s vision to add value to all minerals before export. RMB is working with investors to achieve this goal, emphasizing the importance of building more processing plants.
Furthermore, there are plans to construct plants to manufacture needed equipment, including Dynamites used in the mining sector. Amb. Karitanyi highlighted the high cost of imported dynamites and proposed local production to reduce expenses.
Rwanda envisions becoming self-sufficient in producing materials essential for mining, with a long-term plan to establish a factory within the country.
Despite the current inability to achieve this, a system has been created to provide miners with affordable supplies.
In the pursuit of increasing mining production and reaching a revenue target of at least US$1 billion this year, RMB emphasizes the importance of enhancing the entire mineral value chain, adopting modern equipment, and ensuring adherence to legal regulations in the mining sector.
Ongoing surveys are being conducted to provide accurate information on the quantity of minerals in Rwanda, with previous estimates indicating a substantial value of approximately $154 billion, largely untapped since the colonial period.
Singer Israel Mbonyi’s worship and praise songs, particularly “Nina siri,” have made history in East African music. With over 26 million views on YouTube, Mbonyi’s success has propelled him to the top of charts, earning him new fans from different African countries.
{{Sherrie Silver’s Global Dance Influence}}
Sherrie Silver, renowned for choreographing Childish Gambino’s “This is America” video, continues to make Rwanda proud internationally. Her accolades, including a recent award from TIME Magazine, attest to her role in promoting positive change in Africa.
{{Umuhire Eliane’s Cinematic Achievements}}
Filmmaker Umuhire Eliane has established herself as a prominent figure in international cinema. Her roles in films like “Birds are singing in Kigali” and “Augure” have earned her recognition, with upcoming projects alongside French cinema giants.
{{House of Tayo’s Fashion Prowess}}
Matthew Rugamba’s House of Tayo fashion house has garnered attention, dressing notables like FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Kevin Hart, and Junior Nyong’o. The international recognition affirms the brand’s significance in the fashion world.
{{Christine Munezero’s Rise in Fashion}}
Munezero Christine, a prominent figure in Rwandan fashion, reached new heights in 2023. Her appearance on New York billboards and participation in global fashion events, including Milan and Paris Fashion Week, showcase her growing influence.
{{Umufite Anipha’s Diverse Impact in Fashion Modeling}}
Anipha’s presence in international fashion events, representing major fashion houses, demonstrates her impact and diversity in the modeling world.
International referee Mukansanga Salima Rhadia showcased excellence in hockey, being selected for the Women’s World Cup and receiving the ‘Forbes Woman Africa’ award for her outstanding work.
{{Ncuti Mizero Gatwa’s Filmmaking Success}}
Ncuti Mizero Gatwa, known for his role in “Sex Education,” continued to thrive internationally. His involvement in the groundbreaking film “Barbie” and recognition at the Golden Globes and ‘GQ Men of the Year 2023’ awards highlight his successful year.
{{Bruce Melodie’s International Musical Journey}}
Bruce Melodie’s collaboration with Shaggy on “When She’s Around (Funga Macho)” marked his entry into the international music scene. Performances on the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour and a reunion concert with Shaggy in Miami further solidified his global presence.
As these Rwandans bask in their accomplishments, their achievements in 2023 resonate globally, contributing to the positive image of Rwanda on the world stage.
At least 1998 are Police officers while 74 are prison wardens. Some 1930 new officers were trained at the PTS while 142 others were trained at the National Police College (NPC) where they are enrolled in different bachelors programmes such as Law, Information Technology, Languages and Professional Police Studies (PPS).
The Minister of Interior, Alfred Gasana, who presided over the pass-out, conferred on the new officers the rank of “Police Constable.”
He thanked them for making the right choice and applauded parents for encouraging their children to join the Police force to serve their country.
“Rwandans expect a lot from you, and it’s easy, because you are joining your elders, who have been performing the same duties.
“The training you have acquired is a great foundation to build on, so that you can do the work that awaits you,” Minister Gasana said.
He urged them to always be polite, professional, work as a team, not to be compromised in their duties and to serve as proud Rwandans.
The Minister commended the RNP for the good work, actively engaging in human security activities, all which keeps Rwandans safe, and also shares the fruits of security with friends of Rwanda in different parts of the world where they are deployed in security and peacekeeping operations.
Despite the good security in the country, the Minister observed that there are still crimes such as theft, assault often caused by excessive abuse of alcohol, trafficking and abuse of narcotic drugs, road accidents.
These, he added, will be effective addressed through strengthened collaboration between security organs and the citizenry.
Minister Gasana pointed out that criminals are constantly changing the ways and tactics of committing crimes, including the use of technology.
This requires the force to continuously build its capacity including recruitment, training, acquired modern equipment and working professionally, he said.
As we enter into the festive period, the Minister called for the usual community policing spirit to prevent anything that might affect celebrations and the well-being of the people.
He called on Rwandans and the young people in particular, to avoid alcoholism and other related behaviors; noise pollution and acts that can effect beliefs of others or cause insecurity.
The Commandant of PTS, Commissioner of Police (CP) Robert Niyonshuti said the nine-month course equiped the officers with skills at arms, drills and duties, public order management, community policing, Police operations, martial arts, First Aid, and road safety, among others.
As part of the RNP community development activities, the Commandant said that the school paid health insurance premium for 1000 people, and planted over 230, 000 trees as part of the national environmental protection programme.
The pass-out was also characterized by demonstrations in martial arts, shooting and public order management.
An outpost of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) in the village of Nzakoundou in Ngaoundaye, a sub-prefecture of Lim-pende was attacked early on Thursday by armed men, causing 22 deaths, including 21 civilians and one FACA member, besides several other injuries, according to Ernest Bonang, a Ngaoundaye official.
The village is located about 35 km from Ngaoundaye.
The death toll is expected to rise as several injuries were serious and there were missing persons.
During the national mourning period, the Guinean flag will be at half-mast throughout the country and in Guinea’s embassies and diplomatic representations abroad, Doumbouya said in an address on public television on Wednesday.
“In these moments of pain and sadness, my thoughts are with the bereaved families affected by these unbearable losses,” he said, assuring the injured and homeless of all his support and that of the people of Guinea.
At least 18 people were killed and more than 200 others were injured in a major fire that broke out Sunday night at a large fuel depot in the commune of Kaloum, the Guinean capital of Conakry, authorities said.
Al-Burhan, also the chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council, made the remarks when addressing officers and soldiers in eastern Sudan’s Red Sea State, the sovereign council said in a statement.
“We will not sign a peace agreement that embodies humiliation for the armed forces and the Sudanese people,” Al-Burhan said.
“Any agreement must include a ceasefire and withdrawal of the rebels from public facilities, hospitals, and citizens’ homes,” he noted, adding that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) would keep fighting to defeat the “rebel militia.”
Sudan has been witnessing deadly clashes between the SAF and the RSF since April 15. More than 12,000 people have been killed in the fighting, according to a statement by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in early December.
As the end of year comes to a close, the cityscape undergoes a transformation with vibrant decorations in various colors and designs. This tradition, now deeply embedded in Kigali’s neighborhoods, signifies the collective celebration of the year’s end and the anticipation of a new, promising year. The streets are adorned with an array of lights, depicting scenes from the birth of Jesus, Christmas trees, and a variety of other festive decorations.
For those who observe the religious aspect of Christmas, the decorations hold a deeper meaning. The lights symbolize the belief that the birth of Jesus brought light to the world, representing hope and kindness. It is a celebration of moving from darkness to light, and the entire city joins in this jubilation through the illumination of its streets and buildings.
The City of Kigali takes the lead in enhancing the festive atmosphere by beautifying key areas. Numerous companies, including banks, insurance firms, businesses, and universities, actively contribute to this tradition, making it a collaborative effort to bring joy to the community.
A recent tour by IGIHE revealed the extent of these preparations in various parts of Kigali. As the days tick down to the Christmas and New Year celebrations, the entire city is aglow with a captivating mix of lights and decorations. The result is a picturesque scene that captivates onlookers and adds to the overall festive ambiance.
In the evenings, Kigali comes alive with a flurry of activity as families, couples, and enthusiasts traverse the beautifully adorned streets. The joy of capturing the enchanting decorations in photos and videos has become a cherished part of the holiday experience. Walking through the city at night, one can witness a lively procession of people, all immersed in the delight of these festive displays.
This statement was made through an announcement released on December 21, seemingly at odds with the content of a letter titled “Fiducia supplicans” (Faith to Pray to God), issued by the Office of Pope Francis on December 18, 2023. The Pope’s document emphasizes that when a priest offers a blessing, there should be no scrutiny of sexual relationships, as everyone is seeking God’s love and mercy, and exclusion should be avoided.
Pope Francis acknowledges that those in non-traditional families, including homosexual couples, may be in a state of sin but should not be denied God’s love and compassion. The Rwandan Catholic Bishops’ Conference acknowledged the controversy surrounding blessings for cohabiting couples and same-sex individuals.
In their announcement, the bishops clarified that the letter does not alter the Church’s teachings on the sacrament of Holy Matrimony, reserved for a man and a woman joined in love and with the purpose of procreation, without separation.
The statement underscores the nature of blessings as prayers to God, seeking his sanctification, healing, and assistance for personal transformation. It firmly distinguishes the blessing of cohabiting couples from the sacrament of marriage, emphasizing that homosexuality is incompatible with God’s law and cultural values.
The epicopal conference in Rwanda urges priests, clerics, and all faithful to uphold the unchanged teachings of the Church on Christian marriage. They encourage support for young people and married couples who cherish the sacrament of marriage and its sacred significance.
In Africa, there is disagreement with the Vatican’s announcement, reflecting the Church’s conservative stance. Various bishops’ conferences in African countries, including Nigeria, Zambia, Côte d’Ivoire, and Kenya, have issued statements expressing their cultural disapproval of blessings for homosexual individuals.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Africa has solicited comments from its members regarding the Vatican’s document, anticipating submissions by the second week of January.
Opinions on the Vatican’s decision to bless homosexuals vary even among monks in Europe. The sensitive nature of the issue is heightened in European societies, where any dissent may pose risks, whether one is religious or not.
The document Fiducia supplicans raises concerns about potential divisions within the Catholic Church, akin to the schisms seen in other denominations over issues like homosexuality.
The Catholic Church, with over 1.3 billion members worldwide, has a history of making controversial decisions, with disagreements arising in the past over language changes in Mass, the role of women in the Church, the Virgin Mary’s innocence, and other issues.
Despite global growth, the Church faces declining membership in certain regions, leading to the closure of some temples.
