The officers decorated include 160 of female-dominated Rwanda Formed Police Unit Three rotation five (RWAFPU3-5) operating in the capital Juba; 13 Individual Police Officers (IPOs) and UNMISS Police Chief of Operations, Commissioner of Police (CP) Felly Bahizi Rutagerura.
The Medal pinning ceremony was held at the RWAFPU3-5 base camp in Juba and presided over by UNMISS Police Commissioner, Madam Christine Fossen.
It was also attended by peacekeepers from other contributing countries as well as senior officers from South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS).
The RWAFPU3-5 is responsible for the protection of high profile UN officials, internally displaced persons, key installations and infrastructures. Other duties include public order management, patrols and escorts among others.
The IPOs serving as Police Advisors in community policing, operations, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, among others.
Madam Fossen expressed gratitude to Government of Rwanda for its commitment and effort in sustainable peace and security as one of the most Police Contributing Country (PCC).
She said: “I am glad to highlight that, the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) affirms peace and security efforts which are more sustainable when women are equal partners in prevention of violent conflict, delivery of relief and recovery efforts and in forging of the lasting peace.
That is why it is commendable and a great achievement for Rwanda Formed Police Unit 3-5 having 52% of female representation.”
Fossen lauded them for preserving the legacy left behind by their predecessors.
“You played crucial roles in the implementation of key objectives of the UNMISS mandate through different activities under the demanding nature of peacekeeping mission that often requires working in challenging environments and facing difficult situations,” she said.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Speciose Dusabe, the contingent commander for RWAFPU3-5, said that serving under UNMISS has been a vital experience that will continue to prevail even back home.
She thanked the decorated Police officers under her command, for the hard work, determination, discipline and commitment which guided them to act professionally.
SSP Dusabe also commended the UNMISS leadership, UNMISS staff and people of South Sudan for their support, encouragement and cooperation, which facilitated them to achieve mandated tasks since their deployment in November last year.
“We recognize the strong cooperation support extended to RWAFPU3-5 by all stakeholders, which made our day-to-day duties a success,” SSP Dusabe noted.
He takes over this role from Prof. Manasseh Nshuti, who has been appointed as a Senior Advisor in the President’s Office, in charge of special assignments.
Kabarebe, a retired four-star General who officially retired in August, previously held significant positions including Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff of the RDF, and Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security.
Francis Gatare has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), succeeding Clare Akamanzi.
Akamanzi had assumed the same position from Gatare in 2017, who had served in that capacity since 2014 before becoming the CEO of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB).
Gatare was subsequently appointed as the Senior Economic Advisor in the President’s Office in 2021.
Yvonne Umulisa has been appointed as the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister. Prior to this, Umulisa had served as the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Public Investments and Privatization, which was dissolved in August.
Additionally, Alphonse Rukaburandekwe has been appointed as the new Director General of the Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA), while Bonny Musefano has taken on the role of First Counsellor at the Rwandan Embassy in Tokyo, Japan.
The most recent incident took place on a Monday night around 8 p.m. on the White House grounds.
According to Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi, a Uniformed Division police officer had an encounter with Commander and was subsequently bitten. Fortunately, the injured officer received prompt medical attention on the scene and is reported to be in stable condition.
This latest episode adds to a growing list of biting incidents involving Commander, with records disclosed by the conservative group Judicial Watch in July revealing ten previous attacks on Secret Service officers. In one of these incidents, a Secret Service agent had to be hospitalized due to the severity of the bite.
According to Sky News, Commander became a part of the Biden family in December 2021, gifted to them after their other dog, Major, was sent to live with family friends due to a series of biting incidents. Sadly, a third Biden family dog, Champ, passed away in June 2021 at the age of 13.
Elizabeth Alexander, the communications director for First Lady Jill Biden, acknowledged the challenges faced by family pets in the White House environment. She stated, “As we’ve noted before, the White House can be a stressful environment for family pets, and the First Family continues to work on ways to help Commander handle the often unpredictable nature of the White House grounds.” Alexander expressed gratitude towards the Secret Service and Executive Residence staff for their commitment to the safety of the First Family and the nation.
In response to Commander’s previous biting incidents, the First Lady’s office announced plans to implement additional leash protocols and training for the dog, as well as establish designated areas for Commander to run and exercise. These measures are aimed at preventing future incidents and ensuring the safety of those working at the White House.
As the Biden family strives to address Commander’s behavior, these repeated incidents emphasize the unique challenges that pets face in the high-stress environment of the White House.
It was held under the theme: “Breaking barriers towards gender equality in professional policing.”
The convention provides a platform for the RNP leadership and senior government officials to engage female Police officers in matters pertaining their policing duties, achievements, challenges and way forward towards gender promotion and accomplishment of their tasks.
The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, while opening the convention, said that previously, when one mentioned the police, military or other security agencies, the first image that came to the mind of many, was men.
Effective government policies and programmes, she added, have given equal opportunities and rights to men and women, and that the RNP has made a positive step where the number of police officers has been increasing, and deployment to peace support operations to implement both local and international gender related protocols.
“A lot has been achieved and the bad attitude of underestimating the abilities of women and girls…is changing,” Minister Uwamariya said.
Today, women constitute at least 23 percent of the total RNP force.
“Despite the achievements, we want to continue to increase the role and number of women in maintaining security, to fight against any stereotype that the police is for men, including the fear of girls to participate in the police profession; to discuss what needs to be done so that women and girls further operate professionally without any hindrances,” the Minister said, adding that the Women Police Convention is one of the platforms to address any challenges.
She challenged female Police officers to excel in their work and to build a strong and safe Rwandan community as a pillar for sustainable development.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Felix Namuhoranye, said that the annual conference is organized in order to promote women and girls working in the police profession and to encourage them to improve in their daily professional responsibilities.
“RNP has made efforts to get more women and girls into the force and to go into decision-making bodies, to implement the national gender policies.
Today, they are station commanders, heads of departments, commissioners and deployed in peacekeeping missions,” IGP Namuhoranye said.
Rwanda maintains a female-dominated Formed Police Unit (FPU) contingent under the command of a female officer, serving in the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
The convention will explore key aspects related to the role of women in the context of gender equality in Rwanda; female Police officers in decision-making and command positions; force discipline and the role of female Police officers in enhancing professionalism and discipline; as well as gender equality strategies towards women empowerment.
IGP Namuhoranye urged female officers to always be professional in their duties and to take measures against any unprofessional habits that affects the image of the country and RNP in particular.
Dr. Jean Damascène Iyamuremye, Director of the Psychiatric Unit in the Mental Health Division at RBC, emphasizes that this surge is reflected in the growing number of cases being treated in hospitals throughout the country.
He underscores the direct correlation between the COVID-19 crisis and the escalation of suicide attempts.
A probe conducted by RBC in 2018 had previously revealed that 11.9% of Rwandans were grappling with severe depression, while 35% of survivors of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda were also affected by this condition. Additionally, young people aged 14 to 18 exhibit symptoms of mental disorders at a rate of 10%.
The 2021 report from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that approximately 703,000 people worldwide take their own lives each year, a figure of particular concern among individuals suffering from depression or substance abuse disorders.
WHO predicts that by 2030, depression-related disorders will become the leading cause of death globally.
In response to this crisis, Rwanda is intensifying its intervention efforts. An ad-hoc assistance center valued at Rwf2 billion has been constructed in Gasabo, and a mental health program in schools was initiated in 2020.
Dr. Iyamuremye holds an optimistic view regarding the impact of these initiatives in reducing cases of depression and suicide attempts.
President Kagame has also given his consent to the retirement of five senior officers, 28 junior officers, and 60 other ranks. Additionally, six officers have been discharged on medical grounds, while seven have been granted retirement for various reasons. This information has been officially confirmed through a statement released by the RNP on September 27, 2023.
CG Emmanuel Gasana, one of the six commissioners granted retirement, served as the RNP Inspector General from October 19, 2009, until October 18, 2018, when he assumed the role of Governor of the Southern Province. Subsequently, he was appointed as the Governor of the Eastern Province, where he has been serving up to the present.
CP Emmanuel Butera, a retiree, previously held the position of Chief of Operations under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). He also commanded the RNP’s Counterterrorism Training Centre, located in Mayange, Bugesera District.
CP Vianney Nshimiyimana, another retiree, once served as the Commander of the Police Training School in Gishari.
CP Bruce Munyambo, who is also retiring, has had a distinguished career that included serving as the UNMISS Police Commissioner, as well as holding positions as the Commander of the Police Training School in Gishari and Commissioner in charge of operations.
ACP Damas Gatare, among those granted retirement, served as the Spokesperson of the RNP and as Commissioner of Community Policing.
According to USA Today , this judgment came on Tuesday as part of a civil lawsuit filed by New York’s attorney general, Letitia James.
Judge Engoron determined that Trump and his company had engaged in deceptive practices by significantly inflating the valuation of their assets and exaggerating Trump’s net worth on documents used for deals and securing financing.
As a penalty, some of Trump’s business licenses might be revoked, making it challenging for them to operate in New York. Additionally, an independent monitor will oversee the Trump Organization’s activities.
The ruling strongly refutes Trump’s image as a wealthy and savvy real estate tycoon turned political figure. The judge concluded that these deceptive tactics were not merely boastful but unlawful, leading to favorable loan terms and lower insurance premiums for Trump and his company. Trump’s argument that a disclaimer on financial statements absolved him of wrongdoing was rejected by the judge, who deemed it a fantasy.
While Manhattan prosecutors had considered a criminal case for the same conduct, they did not pursue it, leaving Letitia James to sue Trump in a civil lawsuit seeking penalties that could hinder Trump’s business activities in New York. The ruling resolves a major claim in James’ lawsuit, with additional claims and potential penalties to be decided in a non-jury trial starting on October 2, 2023. James is seeking $250 million in penalties and a ban on Trump conducting business in New York, with the trial potentially lasting until December.
Trump’s legal team had attempted to have the case dismissed, arguing that there was no evidence of harm to the public and that many allegations were barred by the statute of limitations. However, Judge Engoron rejected these arguments.
The lawsuit filed by Letitia James alleged that Trump habitually exaggerated the value of assets such as skyscrapers, golf courses, and Mar-a-Lago, significantly inflating his net worth. Trump’s valuations were found to be far higher than reasonable estimates, including his Trump Tower apartment and Mar-a-Lago.
This legal challenge adds to Trump’s ongoing legal issues as he considers a return to the White House in 2024. He has faced multiple indictments in recent months, including allegations related to election interference, document hoarding, and falsifying business records.
While the lawsuit does not carry the possibility of prison time, it could disrupt Trump’s real estate dealings and tarnish his legacy as a developer. Letitia James has sought penalties, including banning Trump and his three eldest children from running a New York-based company and preventing them from entering commercial real estate acquisitions for five years. The $250 million in penalties sought by James corresponds to the estimated gains from the alleged fraud.
Letitia James began investigating Trump’s business practices in 2019 after his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, testified that Trump had inflated his wealth on financial statements provided to Deutsche Bank while seeking financing for the NFL’s Buffalo Bills. Additionally, James previously sued Trump for misusing his charitable foundation, resulting in a $2 million fine and the closure of the Trump Foundation.
And if you own a four-wheel, still I believe that you have crossed paths with these elegant rides while cruising within the city.
Whatever it is that you were doing or were going, and maybe you thought they were just new motorbike models on the market, allow me inform you that it’s not just a trend.
Instead, it is Rwanda’s way of curbing down on the carbon emission from these ‘fast’ and ‘convenient’ means of transport.
{{ICE motorcycles impact on climate change }}
According to Rwanda’s National Greenhouse Gas inventory (2018), taxi motorcycles are the second largest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions; estimated at 427. 45 gigaton (Gg) which is equivalent to 32.41% of emissions.
Thus, in 2021, the Government of Rwanda in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched a project to put more electric motorcycles on Rwanda’s roads, phasing out polluting Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) motorcycles.
{{Understanding the greenhouse and its effects}}
In simpler terms, a greenhouse is a building with glass walls and a glass roof used to grow plants.
Because of their design, the houses allow regulation of climatic conditions as they trap sunlight during the day, staying warm inside even in winter.
In the same way, the greenhouse gases produced by human activities trap heat in the atmosphere, making the earth warmer than it should be.
GreenHouse Gases (GHGs)
{{Carbon Dioxide: }} Carbon Dioxide is produced by human activities that involve the combustion of fossil fuels like coal, natural gas and oil.
These include; transportation, electricity and industrialisation. According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), “without carbon dioxide, earth’s natural greenhouse effect would be too weak to keep the average global surface temperature above freezing.” This is so because carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere for up to 1,000 years.
{{Methane:}} Although it stays in the atmosphere for just a decade, a lesser period than carbon dioxide, methane is said to be more efficient at trapping radiation than carbon dioxide.
The gas is produced by human activities such as; leaks from natural gas systems, agriculture( rearing animals), and other forms of land use.
{{Nitrous oxide:}} With a life span of 120 years in the earth’s atmosphere, nitrous oxide emissions are a result of nitrogen fertilisers and fuel combustion as well as wastewater treatment.
{{Why Rwanda is transitioning to electric motorcycles}}
According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, registered motorcycles in Rwanda exceed 100,000 with the majority being ICE.
In May 2020, Rwanda launched a ten-year climate action plan (Nationally Determined Contribution) to reduce 4.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide by 2030. Since ICE motorcycles contribute enormously to carbon emission endangering not only the environment, but also human lives, hence the transition to e-mobility.
With the help of Rwanda Electric Mobility (REM) Limited, the government embarked on a retrofitting pilot project to change ICE motorcycles to electric ones.
In addition, two electric motorcycle brands: Spiro and Ampersand were launched on the market to further strengthen the endeavours.
{{Why embrace electric motorcycles}}
{{Environmentally friendly:}}
By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, electric motorcycles play a vital role in combating climate change.
“While climate change cannot be stopped, we’ll need to reach carbon emissions by 2050 or sooner. Net zero means that no carbon is dumped into the atmosphere and is taken out”, emphasizes the Union of Concerned Scientists.
{{Less expenditure:}}
Speaking to IGIHE recently, Jules Samain, the CEO Spiro Motorcycles said that their motorbike taxi drivers report an increase in profits as running electric motorcycles is cheaper than the old-fashioned ICE motorcycles.
“Some MBTs have told us that their profits have risen from $6 a day to $11 or more,” he stated.
In addition, Spiro offers insurance, mobile phone contracts and other benefits to its riders.
{{Easy daily commuting}}
“Instead of having to make an early morning trip to the gas station when your bike is in the red zone, electric motorcycles allow you to simply plug in and charge up from the comfort of your own home”, said Mark Lindsell.
Furthermore, their easy sleek design paired with high functionality ensures a superior riding experience.
{{Less noise}}
Electric motorcycles not only reduce air pollution, but also noise pollution contributing to healthier and livable cities.
In addition, they are safer in traffic as one can hear the sounds around them.
“Gas motorcycles vibrate while you’re riding or waiting at the traffic lights. Although this issue is becoming better with newer models, that issue will never really go away,” said Mark Lindsell, an expert with electric motorcycles.
{{Low maintenance}}
Jules states that Spiro motorcycles are designed to offer high performance, durability and comfort. “They’re built to handle local terrains and climates effectively”, he remarked, adding that it’s what gives them a competitive edge.
Mark Lindsell also agrees, stating that all the motorcycles need is; “keep it charged, keep your tires pumped, make sure your brakes are working, check your chain, and enjoy the ride”.
{{Instant torque}}
Electric motors produce maximum torque from a standstill which means that electric motorcycles can accelerate immediately and smoothly.
{{Good health and lifestyle}}
Electric motorcycles are cleaner, cheaper to run and maintain than their gasoline counterparts, said Jules.
In 2019, President Paul Kagame shared a plan to convert Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) motorcycles to electric motorcycles.
Thereon, REM embraced Rwanda’s e-mobility vision and developed ‘unique features’ for its motorbike fleets.
In addition, they introduced retrofitting where old fashioned gasoline motorcycles are fully transformed into electric motorcycles.
Kazungu is facing a total of ten charges, which encompass murder, rape, making threats, concealing human remains, mutilation, and more.
The presiding judge, when announcing the decision regarding bail, stressed that the evidence presented strongly implicates Kazungu. Furthermore, the judge noted that despite the defendant’s admission of guilt, there was no indication of remorse.
Kazungu made his courtroom appearance under stringent police supervision, attired in an orange t-shirt and brown pants. He now has a five-day period within which to appeal this court decision.
In meantime, Kazungu will be held in custody at Nyarugenge Prison, colloquially referred to as “Mageragere.”
According to the prosecutor, Kazungu confessed to dismembering two of his victims, boiling their remains, and grinding their bones to obliterate any evidence of his crimes.
It was disclosed that the accused had rented a residence in the Kanombe sector the previous year, where he resided until his arrest in September triggered by his failure to pay rent and his refusal to vacate the premises.
Upon being taken into custody, he provided authorities with a confession detailing the killing and burial of 12 individuals in that same residence.
Subsequent to this confession, a prompt investigation was initiated, leading to the horrifying discovery of the victims’ remains. Some of the victims, such as Eliane Mbabazi and Eric Turatsinze, were identified by Kazungu himself.
The public prosecutor also pointed out that Kazungu had admitted to raping his victims, strangling them to stifle their cries, binding their hands and feet, and disposing of their bodies in a specially dug hole in the kitchen. He additionally subjected them to threats and torture, depriving them of their possessions and using various objects to intimidate them.
Following their demise, he incinerated their bags and shoes in an attempt to erase all traces of his actions.
The prosecutor further revealed that Kazungu led a reclusive existence, utilizing false identities to conceal his true identity and perpetrate his crimes covertly.
When questioned about his motives, Kazungu alleged that his actions were motivated by a desire for revenge against women he believed to be prostitutes, asserting that he thought they had infected him with HIV.
However, this claim was refuted by blood tests conducted by Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB).
“The COVID-19 pandemic, impacts of climate change and supply constraints due to the Ukrainian crisis that soared inflation and tightened monetary and financial conditions have exacerbated the existing vulnerabilities of many people in our regions,” Jean Luc Mastaki, the director of the UNECA sub-regional office for Central Africa, was quoted by a UNECA statement as saying.
Mastaki made these remarks during a four-day meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee of Senior Officials and Experts (ICSOE) for Central and Eastern Africa, jointly organized by the UNECA and the government of Burundi. The meeting opened Tuesday in Bujumbura, Burundi.
Mastaki called on participants in the ICSOE meeting to deliberate on tackling the main challenges facing eastern and central African countries, with the aim of boosting industrial and agricultural production with quality and environmental standards.
Mama Keita, the director of the UNECA sub-regional office for Eastern Africa, said that climate change, high food prices, and supply chain disruptions are causing hunger and malnutrition for millions in Central and Eastern Africa. Keita urged participants in the meeting to discuss ways to address the barriers to food security and the potential of digital food platforms, which can facilitate the easier and more cost-effective exchange of food products and information among producers, consumers, and traders.
According to the UNECA, the meeting brought together ministers and high-level policymakers, representatives of international organizations, private sector actors, youth representatives, UN officials, academics, and media practitioners from seven central and 14 eastern African countries, respectively.
The high-level meeting aims to establish Central and Eastern Africa as sources of quality products and investment destinations of choice, with the goal of accelerating industrialization, economic diversification, and strengthening food security, the UNECA said.
According to the UNECA, the meeting will discuss the current and future economic prospects of the central and eastern African regions, which are facing multiple economic and social challenges in the wake of recent global challenges.
The meeting is expected to propose policies, strategies and options to promote intra-African trade in order to increase the quantity and quality of production in the regions so as to strengthen food security, promote economic diversification and attract more investment, the UNECA said.
