The satellite, Yaogan-33 04, was launched on a Long March-4C carrier rocket at 4:15 a.m. (Beijing Time), and has entered its planned orbit successfully.
It will be used for scientific experiments, land resource surveys, crop yield estimates, and disaster prevention and relief work.
The launch was the 489th flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series.
One dealer in polythene bags was arrested in Kinyinya village, Karambi cell of Ngarama sector, Gatsibo District, transporting about 40,000 pieces of the outlawed non-biodegradable plastic bags.
“On Monday , September 25, at about 6a.m, Police and local authorities intercepted two men in Ryeru village, Ryeru cell in Rwempasha sector, Nyagatare District, transporting 520,000 pieces of plastic bags on two motorcycles. They abandoned the motorcycles and the consignment of plastic bags, and fled,” Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said.
Later at about 2p.m, he added, Police and local leaders arrested a 33-year man in Ngarama, with 40,000 pieces of polythene bags. He intended to traffic them to Kigali.
Last week, Police in Nyagatare District also impounded a vehicle, which was transporting 540000 pieces of polythene bags.
SP Twizeyimana said that there are increased operations against traffickers of plastic bags and thanked the role of the public, who share information on those involved.
Manufacturing, use, importation or sale of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items are prohibited under article 3 of law N? 17/2019 of 10/08/2019 relating to the prohibition of manufacturing, importation, use, and sale of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items in Rwanda.
In article 10, any person, who imports plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items is liable to the dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items, and to an administrative fine equivalent to ten times the value of those plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items.
In article 11, a wholesaler of plastic carry bags and single use plastic items is liable to an administrative fine of Rwf700, 000 and dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items.
In article 12, a retailer of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items is liable to an administrative fine of Rwf300,000 and dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items.
The conference is being held in Nyamata, Bugesera District, and attended by 65 delegates from EAC member states.
In his remarks, Brig Gen J Baptist Ngiruwonsanga, the Head of the Rwandan delegation, welcomed delegates from EAC partner states to the conference. He reiterated Rwanda’s readiness and commitment to host the 13th EAC Armed Forces FTX Ushirikiano Imara 2024.
Col William Rusodoka, the representative of the EAC Secretary General said that the Initial Planning Conference is the second stage of planning process of EAC Exercise meant mainly to practice EAC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at operational and tactical levels in order to enhance the state of readiness and interoperability of EAC Partner States’ Armed Forces, Police, Civilian Components and other stakeholders in responding to complex security challenges.
The IPC is expected to consider exercise write-up, timelines, proposed budget on logistic support, Civil- Military Cooperation projects to be carried out during the conduct of the FTX. The Conference will also discuss administrative and logistics plan and conduct guided survey of the exercise sites.
The meeting is being held in accordance with Article 2 of the EAC Protocol on Cooperation in Defence Affairs and pursuant to the Defence Sector Calendar of activities.
Its curriculum now encompasses an array of medical courses, including Reflexology, Massage Therapy, Gym and Fitness Instruction, as well as comprehensive courses in Film Making and Television Production, spanning durations of three to six months.
With a belief that equipping students with the necessary tools and hands-on experience is pivotal to their success in vocational and technical fields, the school has invested in state-of-the-art equipment and emphasizes practical skill development to ensure students are well-prepared for real-world challenges.
Dr. Francis Habumugisha, CEO of Goodrich Group, shed light on the college’s inception, explaining that it was born out of a pressing need for improved skills in the industry.
“We noticed a deficit in the quality of services provided by professionals in these fields. Many massage therapists, whether in healthcare facilities or hospitality establishments, lacked the fundamental knowledge needed to perform their roles effectively.
Our approach begins with imparting a strong foundation in the human body’s structure and function, laying the groundwork for our specialized courses,” he remarked.
In the realm of film making and video production, Dr. Habumugisha emphasized the college’s commitment to excellence.
“We have equipped our students with modern equipment and offer them hands-on experience at our company’s television station, Goodrich TV. This practical exposure ensures that they graduate with the relevant skills and competencies demanded by the industry.
For instance, the shortage of control room technicians in Rwanda led us to provide this knowledge, ensuring that our graduates are readily employable both domestically and internationally.”
Patra Omamo, Director of Star Professional College, emphasized that these courses are not restricted to individuals with prior educational backgrounds in the field but are open to anyone eager to expand their knowledge and acquire new skills.
The college has bolstered its resources for both medical and film-related programs, employing expert instructors trained by the International Therapeutics Examination Council (ITEC London).
Omamo highlighted the college’s international connections, stating, “Through our collaboration with ITEC London, students at Star Professional College can earn international degrees and even pursue further education abroad.”
Registration for courses beginning in October 2023 is currently open. With a capacity to accommodate over 100 students, aspiring individuals are invited to join us on a journey of skill acquisition and professional growth at Star Professional College.
The cost of one kilogram of Gikungu variety potatoes has surged to an astounding Rwf2000, causing widespread disruptions in consumer patterns and raising concerns among the population.
Additionally, the price of Kinigi variety potatoes ranges from Rwf700 to Rwf800.
This price hike is unprecedented in Rwandan memory, prompting many to ponder the age-old adage, “time will tell.”
The surge in potato prices can be attributed to a delicate combination of climatic uncertainties and economic speculations. Historically, the northern and western regions of the country were known for their abundant potato production. However, the landscape has significantly transformed over time.
Apollinaire Karegeya, a respected farmer from the Musanze district, sheds light on the climatic dimension of the issue.
He points out that major climate disruptions, particularly in the Nyange and Kinigi areas, affected nearly 80% of the potato crops last May.
Flooding during that period wreaked havoc on these regions, exacerbating the potato shortage.
However, the challenges facing Rwanda’s potato market are not limited to climatic factors alone.
Testimonies gathered from local traders suggest that some of the potatoes sold in Kigali might be originating from Malawi, a country with which Rwanda has no direct trade agreements.
It has been reported that these products are being registered as Tanzanian before entering the Rwandan market through the Tunduma border post on the Tanzanian side.
Dr. Florence Uwamahoro, the Deputy Director General in charge of Agriculture Development at Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board (RAB), offers insights into another dimension of the problem.
She suggests that the current shortage is primarily a result of the choice of crop cycles. Dr. Uwamahoro remains optimistic about the future, emphasizing ongoing efforts to promote potato cultivation.
The Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), Dr. Ildefonse Musafiri, has disclosed that Rwanda’s annual potato consumption exceeds one million tonnes, while local production falls short at 700,000 tonnes.
This glaring gap necessitates imports, despite Rwanda’s considerable agricultural potential.
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Jean Chrysostome Ngabitsinze, acknowledges the decline in local production and confirms that the majority of potato imports come from Uganda and Kenya.
However, he expresses skepticism regarding allegations involving Malawi.
Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) has initiated an investigation to clarify the current state of the market.
Mrs. Béatrice Uwumukiza, RICA Director General, has said that the institution is committed to safeguarding the interests of Rwandan consumers during this uncertain period.
In this tense context, individuals like James Mudaheranwa, an agronomist at Seed Potato Fund (SPF), see an opportunity.
SPF has around 23 branches in ten districts that grow potatoes to help farmers in need of seeds.
According to Mudaheranwa, SPF can store up to 15 tonnes per year but stressed the need for farmers to be also actively involved in the storage of potatoes for themselves as a backup.
SPF aims to stabilize the market by providing high-quality seeds.
Mudaheranwa is confident that, despite the challenges, increased cooperation among stakeholders in the sector can ensure adequate potato production to meet the country’s needs.
In this article, we will delve into the implications of this five-year prescription period in divorce proceedings and analyze its significance in family law.
{{Understanding the grounds for divorce}}
Article 218 of Law No. 32/2016 enumerates several grounds upon which a spouse can seek divorce. These grounds include adultery, desertion, conviction for an offense severely tainting the honor, refusal to provide for household needs, excess or abuse, gender-based violence, de facto separation, and non-cohabitation. Each of these grounds reflects specific circumstances that can lead to the dissolution of a marriage.
{{The five-year prescription period}}
The noteworthy provision in Article 220 imposes a time limit on initiating divorce proceedings.
According to this article, an action for divorce expires after five years from the time of discovering the cause of divorce. This means that once a spouse becomes aware of a valid reason for seeking divorce, they have a five-year window to initiate legal proceedings. After this period, their right to seek divorce based on that particular cause becomes null and void.
{{Implications of the five-year prescription period}}
{{Protecting spouses from stale claims:}} The prescription period serves to protect individuals from facing divorce proceedings based on ancient grievances. It prevents spouses from bringing up long-forgotten issues that might have lost their relevance or credibility over time. This provision encourages timely resolution of marital disputes.
{{Encouraging communication and reconciliation:}} By imposing a time limit on divorce proceedings, the law encourages spouses to address their issues promptly and consider reconciliation. It sends a message that divorce should not be rushed into but should be considered carefully, allowing room for possible reconciliation.
{{Legal certainty and stability:}} The five-year prescription period offers legal certainty to both spouses. It ensures that once a significant issue is discovered, there is a defined timeframe within which divorce proceedings must be initiated. This clarity helps prevent prolonged uncertainty and litigation.
{{Adapting to changing circumstances:}} Circumstances within a marriage can change over time. The prescription period acknowledges that what may have been a valid reason for divorce at one point may no longer hold true after several years. It encourages spouses to reevaluate their situation and make informed decisions.
Rwanda’s Law No. 32/2016, which governs divorce proceedings, includes a five-year prescription period from the time of discovering the cause of divorce.
This provision has several implications, including protecting spouses from stale claims, encouraging communication and reconciliation, providing legal certainty, and allowing for adaptability to changing circumstances within a marriage.
While the law seeks to balance the interests of both spouses, it also underlines the importance of addressing marital issues in a timely and responsible manner. As with any legal provision, its effectiveness and fairness will depend on its application in practice and the unique circumstances of each case.
Speaking to IGIHE, Déogratias Rutayisire, the executive secretary of Kigeyo Sector, confirmed this incident.
“We received information that the man had engaged in a heated argument with his wife, leading to a fighting between the spouses. Following this, the man returned to his task of preparing pancakes. Later, he was found hanging with a rope made from a mosquito net around his neck. His child was also found hanging,” he revealed.
Rutayisire went on to describe the circumstances surrounding their deaths as mysterious and emphasized that an investigation is currently underway to uncover the truth.
In a press conference convened on Sunday, following his return from an official visit to Cuba and the United States, President Ndayishimiye sought to reassure the citizens about the resilience of his administration. While in New York, he participated in the United Nations General Assembly session.
In the preceding week, reports had surfaced suggesting an alleged plot to overthrow the Burundian government. These rumors gained traction due to unverified accounts claiming that President Ndayishimiye had issued an order to Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca to remove General Prime Niyongabo, the Chief of Defense Staff.
Moreover, additional reports indicated that the Prime Minister had purportedly resisted this directive, fueling speculations of potential discord within the government. It is important to note that the accuracy of these reports remains uncertain, yet they gave rise to concerns of a potential coup in the making.
In response, President Ndayishimiye firmly asserted that such rumors were propagated by individuals with malicious intent, aiming to tarnish Burundi’s international reputation.
“While we have faced similar challenges in the past, today our nation enjoys peace and stability. Rest assured, and continue your daily activities without any hindrance,” he stated.
Even before the President’s return, the Ministry of Security had attempted to allay concerns through social media, affirming that there was no imminent emergency situation to report.
Burundi has a history marked by several coup attempts, with nine recorded episodes to date, some successful while others were thwarted.
The event brought together more than 100 delegates from accreditation and standard regulators across Africa to review ways to roll out the mutual recognition of product standards in the continent.
In his opening remarks during the 14th General Assembly and Meetings of African Accreditation Cooperation, Juma Mukhwana, principal secretary in Kenya’s State Department for Industry, said that the existence of different product standards in Africa is one of the key impediments to intra-Africa trade. “A unified product standards regime will foster trust in products made in Africa and facilitate trade not only within our borders but across the continent.”
Celestine Okanya, director general of Nigeria National Accreditation System, revealed that the continent has prioritized the harmonization of product standards in the region because it will enable enterprises, including small and medium-sized enterprises, to participate actively in the African Continental Free Trade Area and contribute to the economic transformation of the region.
Okanya added that joint product standards will be the catalyst that ensures the quality and safety of the products and services that flow within the expanded African market.
Mpho Phaloane, acting chief executive officer of the South African National Accreditation System, observed that the African quality policy, which aims at enhancing the quality of standards of goods produced in the continent will also strengthen the competitiveness of the continent’s products. He said that consistent product standards will lead to better integration into regional and international value chains that enhance trade and ensure sustainable development for the continent as a whole.
Robin Neeren Gopee, director of the Mauritius Accreditation Service, said that coordinated product standards will enhance Africa’s competitiveness by offering proof that products and services adhere to the requirements of consumers, governments, and trade treaties.
The development of product standards in Africa on a mutual recognition arrangement is a growth point as the mutual evaluation and acceptance of each other’s goods and services is based on agreed standards and quality, he said, adding that the alignment with international standards and recommended practices will also enhance the mobility of goods and services across borders.
He said during a press briefing that “institutional reforms” must be carried out before the announcement of the new date which will be set in consultation with the Independent Electoral Management Authority as soon as possible.
This presidential election should, if necessary, be held over two rounds in February 2024, according to the timetable set by Malian transitional president Assimi Goita.
