The escape involved 1,534 prisoners from the Central Prison and the Maximum Security Prison of Machava, known as B.O., resulting in clashes with the National Penitentiary Service staff, in which at least 33 people were killed.
The commission, which has already started its work, aims to understand the circumstances of the escape, identify possible internal or external failures, and determine whether there was negligence on the part of those responsible for security, the report quoted Deputy Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs Filimao Suaze as saying.
Suaze said the inquiry commission will also analyze the deaths that occurred during the ongoing operation to search for and capture the fugitives.
According to the deputy minister, about 280 prisoners have already been recaptured, more than 100 of them on Friday, thanks to the cooperation of families and reports of escapes in the neighborhoods.
Suaze emphasized that many of the fugitives returned voluntarily or were handed over by their relatives, who reported the escapes after noticing the irregularities.
The deputy minister also denied allegations that the escape was part of a premeditated plan to eliminate the prisoners, as some information on social media suggested. He clarified that the fugitives, some of whom are considered terrorists, are being monitored and that the police are committed to recapturing them.
Suaze called on the public to continue to cooperate with the authorities in locating the escaped prisoners, warning that the situation has caused panic in several neighborhoods in Maputo.
The commission has not set deadlines for completion of its report, but the deputy minister said he expected significant progress in the investigation in the coming days.
This decision, conveyed by Burundi’s ambassador to the African Union, Willy Nyamitwe, deals a blow to regional peacekeeping efforts as the mission prepares to commence operations in 2025.
At the heart of the dispute is Burundi’s objection to Somalia’s decision to limit its contribution to 1,041 soldiers, despite Burundi’s request to deploy at least 2,000 troops. Ambassador Nyamitwe’s position aligns with that of Djibouti’s Ambassador Abdi Mohamud Eybe, who currently chairs the African Union Peace and Security Council.
Burundi first deployed troops in Somalia in December 2007 as part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). They helped in the recapturing key strategic locations in Mogadishu, including the Defense Ministry compound, in operations that involved heavy ground combat.
Their contributions have been applauded by Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur expressing gratitude for their support.
Some of the forces expected to take part in the mission include Uganda, Ethiopia and Egypt among others.
Burundi’s withdrawal comes amid Somalia’s plans to exclude Ethiopian forces from AUSSOM, a move driven by sovereignty concerns and fears of Ethiopia reframing Somalia’s security challenges in ways that could impact regional dynamics.
Reports also highlight Burundi’s resistance to deploying troops to the contested Gedo region, an area marked by tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia.
Currently, Somali officials are working to ensure a smooth handover of positions previously held by Burundian troops to the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF).
Minister Nur has called for the establishment of a technical team to facilitate this transition, emphasizing the importance of maintaining security to prevent any opportunities for Al-Shabaab to exploit gaps.
The illness, which began spreading in late October, has claimed dozens of lives and primarily affects children under five years old.
In its latest statement, WHO revealed that tests conducted on 430 samples identified multiple pathogens, including Influenza A (H1N1), rhinoviruses, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19), parainfluenza viruses, and Human Adenovirus.
“… these findings suggest that a combination of common and seasonal viral respiratory infections and falciparum malaria, compounded by acute malnutrition led to an increase in severe infections and deaths, disproportionately affecting children under five years of age”, reads the statement in part.
According to weekly updates by the Ministry of Public Health, the number of positive cases so far recorded stands at 891 including 48 deaths.
Malaria and acute malnutrition have intensified the severity of the outbreak. WHO noted that these overlapping infections disproportionately impact young children, leading to a significant rise in severe cases and deaths.
The DRC Ministry of Public Health has reported 891 cases and 48 deaths to date. However, the actual toll is believed to be higher due to unreported community deaths before November 29, when the outbreak was formally recognized.
The illness presents symptoms such as high fever, cough, generalized body aches, sore throat, and muscle pain. Complications like severe anemia, respiratory issues, and metabolic disorders have further increased mortality rates, particularly among malnourished children.
Roger Kamba, the DRC’s Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Security, confirmed the government’s efforts to provide free treatment for all reported cases at the General Reference Hospital and Nsakala Panzi Secondary Center.
These efforts are supported by the national nutrition program and UNICEF, which have intervened to mitigate the crisis.
The National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) further clarified that the disease involves co-infections of multiple viruses and malaria, occurring against a backdrop of acute malnutrition.
Logistical challenges have delayed response efforts, with WHO and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) facing significant barriers, including poor road networks and a lack of diagnostic tools in remote regions.
Professor Placide Mbala, a virologist at the University of Kinshasa, noted that until recently, teams lacked nasopharyngeal swabs needed to identify the pathogens, further delaying an effective response.
Despite these challenges, WHO has deployed multidisciplinary rapid response teams to enhance diagnosis and treatment. Their ongoing efforts aim to mitigate the outbreak’s impact and prevent further fatalities by addressing both immediate medical needs and underlying vulnerabilities, particularly malnutrition and food insecurity.
Following the outbreak, there is need for stronger healthcare systems and proactive measures to address the factors contributing to such crises in vulnerable regions. WHO and its partners remain committed to reducing the outbreak’s toll and supporting the DRC in building long-term resilience against similar health emergencies.
Carter, who was born in 1924, held a varied career as a naval officer, farmer, and governor of Georgia before becoming president in 1977. His presidency, which lasted until 1981, was marked by both challenges and achievements.
During his term, Carter emphasized human rights in foreign policy, brokered the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, and oversaw the creation of the Department of Energy.
However, his tenure faced economic difficulties, rising inflation, and the Iran hostage crisis, which significantly impacted his political standing. Carter lost his reelection bid in 1980 to Ronald Reagan.
After leaving office, Carter dedicated his life to global humanitarian efforts. He and his wife, Rosalynn, founded The Carter Center in 1982 to promote democracy, human rights, and public health.
The center monitored elections worldwide, worked to combat diseases, and advocated for peace. Carter also played a key role in establishing The Elders, a group of global leaders addressing critical world issues. His efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Carter’s work extended to Africa, where he focused on health initiatives such as eradicating Guinea worm disease and promoting peace. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi praised Carter’s role in achieving the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, describing it as a significant historical milestone.
Known for his modest lifestyle, Carter spent his post-presidency years in the same two-bedroom home he lived in before his political career. He authored several books on topics ranging from faith to diplomacy, reflecting his lifelong commitment to public service and advocacy.
Carter is survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. His wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, passed away in November 2023. Public observances in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., will honor his legacy, followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia.
In a statement on Sunday, December 29, 2024, the Minister called out the Congolese army over “incompetence” both on the battlefield and in spreading what he described as “mediocre fake news.”
Nduhungirehe’s remarks came after the Congolese army paraded a man, identified as Hakizimana Iradukunda Jean de Dieu, as an RDF soldier allegedly captured in North Kivu during operations on December 21.
“FARDC presents us with a so-called soldier of the RDF who does not know his unit or his commander, and who cannot provide his registration number within the Rwandan army,” Nduhungirehe stated.
He further highlighted inconsistencies in the man’s testimony, particularly his claimed origins from administrative subdivisions—such as “Murenge” and “Kazabi”—which he said exist in the DRC but not in Rwanda.
The Minister noted that Rwanda’s administrative divisions include districts, sectors, cells, and villages, none of which align with the alleged origins of the supposed RDF soldier.
Nduhungirehe also pointed out FARDC’s history of similar allegations. He recalled a February incident when the Congolese army introduced “Ndayambaje Abouba” as an RDF soldier. However, the same individual had previously been presented by FARDC in civilian clothing under suspicious circumstances.
“Clearly, FARDC, failing to be a war machine on the ground, have become a #FakeNews manufacturing plant!” the Minister declared.
{{RDF Dismisses Allegations
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The Minister’s remarks come two days after RDF also dismissed the claims as fake news.
In a video shared by FARDC, the alleged soldier claimed he was born in Ngororero District and had been stationed in the DRC for over a year. The man also alleged the deployment of four RDF divisions to eastern DRC.
Rwanda has consistently denied involvement in the conflict in eastern DRC, where the M23 rebel group has been fighting the Congolese army and allied forces.
Kigali has repeatedly accused FARDC of harbouring and supporting the FDLR, a militia composed of remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The Rwandan government asserts that the Congolese leadership’s persistent accusations are attempts to divert attention from internal challenges and failures to address the concerns of their citizens in eastern DRC.
This has resulted in strained diplomatic ties between Rwanda and the DRC, with[ efforts to resolve the stalemate continuing to encounter obstacles->https://en.igihe.com/politics-48/article/talks-between-president-kagame-tshisekedi-postponed?var_mode=calcul].
In the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2024, Rwanda scored 0.63 points in the overall rule of law ranking, leading the region in key areas such as order and security, absence of corruption, and civil justice. The top score is 1.00, indicating stronger performance.
The index, which assesses the rule of law in countries across the globe, evaluates performance based on eight factors: constraints on government powers, absence of corruption, open government, fundamental rights, order and security, regulatory enforcement, civil justice, and criminal justice.
Rwanda ranked first in order and security with a score of 0.85, outperforming Mauritius and Namibia, which scored 0.75 each. Guinea, Ghana, Madagascar, and Botswana followed at 0.71, with Tanzania, Senegal (0.70 each), and The Gambia (0.69) rounding out the top ten.
The country’s ranking in this category reflects its stable and secure environment, which has been crucial for promoting economic growth and social well-being.
The success is also a direct result of Rwanda’s strategic security partnerships with other nations.
For example, in December 2024, Rwanda’s National Police signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ethiopian Federal Police to enhance cooperation on matters of public security and to counter cross-border threats.
Similarly, Rwanda has forged multiple agreements over the years, including with Qatar (October 2024), Dubai Police (March 2024), and Botswana (January 2024), addressing issues such as terrorism, human trafficking, cybercrime, and organized crime.
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Rwanda also ranked first in Sub-Saharan Africa for the absence of corruption, with a score of 0.68. The performance demonstrates the Rwandan government’s strong anti-corruption frameworks and commitment to transparency.
Other countries in the top five include Mauritius (0.58), Botswana (0.57), Senegal (0.55) and Namibia (0.52).
In the civil justice category, Rwanda ranked first with a score of 0.66, ahead of Mauritius, which scored 0.62.
In addition to its solid performance in civil justice, Rwanda has also made significant strides in criminal justice, ranking second in the region with a score of 0.56. The performance reflects the country’s commitment to a fair and effective judicial system, providing equitable access to justice for its citizens while tackling criminal activities through well-coordinated law enforcement.
Rwanda was also ranked among the top countries in several other categories, including constraints on government powers, open government, fundamental rights, and regulatory environment, all contributing to its top score of 0.68 in the rule of law.
The Rwandan government confirmed its commitment to host the IVI regional office through Presidential Order No. 091/01, issued on December 26, 2024, and published in the Official Gazette on December 27, 2024.
The agreement to establish the office in Rwanda was initially signed in June by Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, and the Director General of IVI, Dr. Jerome H. Kim, marking a significant step toward advancing vaccine research, development, and manufacturing across the African continent.
The two parties formally ratified the agreement on November 25, 2024, officially confirming Rwanda as the host country for the IVI Africa office.
The agreement includes 21 provisions, including tax exemptions on goods and services such as equipment, vehicles, machinery, and other materials exclusively used by IVI. However, items sold to individuals or businesses will not qualify for tax exemption.
Another key aspect of the agreement is its emphasis on building local capacity for pharmaceutical production, aiming to promote self-reliance in health matters across Africa. This initiative also seeks to improve public health outcomes and foster technological advancements in the sector.
As part of this strategic effort, the IVI Africa Regional Office will play a pivotal role in advancing vaccination initiatives, driving technological innovation, and supporting sustainable vaccine manufacturing in Rwanda and other African countries.
The move comes as a BioNTech vaccine manufacturing plant is also under construction in Rwanda, further cementing the country’s position as a key player in the global vaccine ecosystem.
IVI is a non-profit organization committed to ensuring that vaccines are available and accessible worldwide. It collaborates with governments, research institutions, and the vaccine industry to achieve this mission.
Since its founding in 1997, IVI has been instrumental in developing, testing, and distributing vaccines across the globe.
Rwanda’s selection as the host of IVI’s Africa Regional Office was confirmed in February 2024, following a rigorous evaluation process that reviewed proposals from five countries.
The decision was hailed by both IVI and the Rwandan government as a critical step toward addressing vaccine equity across the continent.
With its global headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, and regional offices in Sweden and Austria, IVI’s new African office represents a significant advancement in its mission to ensure safe and affordable vaccines reach the people who need them most.
During his election campaign two years ago, Ruto criticized the previous administration of President Uhuru Kenyatta for alleged abductions and extrajudicial killings, vowing to end such practices. However, recent events have raised concerns about the fulfilment of the pledge.
Since the Gen-Z-led protests in June, which forced the government to shelve plans to introduce additional taxes, dozens of young people have been reported missing, with human rights groups accusing the police of being behind their disappearances. The police continue to deny these claims.
In the latest wave of abductions, some of which have been captured on camera by witnesses and surveillance footage, at least three young people were recently abducted after sharing AI-generated images of Ruto in a casket that some considered offensive.
Among those abducted is popular cartoonist Kibet Bull, whose real name is Gideon Kibet. His images of the president went viral.
Kibet disappeared after meeting opposition senator Okiya Omtatah on Christmas Eve.
Kibet’s younger brother, Ronny Kiplangat, who has also been missing for several days, is believed by their family to have been used as bait by security forces to lure Kibet.
“(Kibet) boarded a matatu after my driver dropped him off in the city centre. As they have done with others, they must have blocked the matatu and snatched him from it,” said Omtatah, who harbours presidential ambitions for the 2027 elections.
“If you look at the attitude of the police, they know what is happening. The state is simply allowing it or acquiescing to it.”
Like many young Kenyans, Kibet was once an ardent supporter of President Ruto but has, in recent years, become a critic of the government, accusing it of corruption, failing to address unemployment, and not fulfilling its promises to turn around the economy.
Both the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have denied abducting or arresting the trio. However, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached in October for allegedly sabotaging President Ruto’s administration, insists the government is behind the abductions.
Addressing the press in Nairobi on Friday, Gachagua claimed that the abductions were being carried out by a secret unit, not under the command of the Inspector General of Police.
According to Gachagua, the unit, with officers drawn from various departments, operates from a building in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
“There’s a building in Nairobi, the 21st floor in the city centre, where the unit operates from, led by a certain Mr. Abel. Abel is a cousin to a very senior official in this government,” Gachagua revealed.
The former Deputy President threatened to expose more details about the secret unit if the abducted individuals are not released.
He added that Kenyan citizens are angry with Ruto’s administration, saying, “Killing our children will not quell the anger of the Kenyan people.”
“Abducting young people is not a solution; you must address the cause of discontent. Why are people aggrieved with this administration?”
A few hours later, President Ruto, accompanied by opposition leader Raila Odinga—whose allies have joined Ruto’s Cabinet in a broad-based government formed after the Gen-Z protests—promised to end the abductions.
Odinga had criticized the state-linked abductions of critics, saying the country cannot tolerate a “gangster state.”
Widely recognized as Kenya’s second liberation hero, Odinga was a victim of the brutal regime of the late President Daniel Arap Moi during the fight for multiparty democracy in the 90s. He warned that allowing the abductions to continue could risk taking the country back to the dark days of “Nyayo Torture Chambers”.
Ruto acknowledged the concerns but also warned the youth to be “disciplined.”
“What has been said about abductions, we will stop them so Kenyan youth can live in peace, but they should have discipline and be polite so that we can build Kenya together,” Ruto said at a stadium in Homa Bay, in the west of the country.
In addition to the abductions of young Kenyans, the abduction of Uganda’s opposition chief Kizza Besigye in Nairobi by Ugandan security agents recently also drew widespread condemnation.
Besigye and his close associate Hajj Obeid Lutale were picked up in Nairobi while attending the launch of a book written by former justice minister Martha Karua and whisked back home, where they were locked up in a military facility before being produced in a martial court.
The duo faces charges of undermining national security and illegal possession of firearms.
Various rights groups and lawyers have criticized Kenya’s complicity in the abductions, saying it tarnishes Kenya’s image as a democratic safe haven. They accuse its authorities of failing to prevent or investigate the incident, thereby jeopardizing regional stability and the rule of law.
Jeju Air flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800 arriving from Bangkok, crashed during a belly landing after its landing gear malfunctioned, reportedly due to a bird strike.
The crash occurred just after 9 a.m. local time, when the aircraft skidded down the runway, collided with a wall, and erupted into a massive fireball. Video footage captured flames and thick smoke engulfing the plane, with only the tail section remaining somewhat intact.
“Only the tail part retains a little bit of shape, and the rest of the plane looks almost impossible to recognize,” said Muan fire chief Lee Jung-hyun during a press briefing.
Rescuers managed to save two crew members from the tail section, both suffering from medium to severe injuries. Despite this, authorities have shifted from rescue to recovery operations, as the force of the impact made survival unlikely for others.
“We are searching nearby areas for bodies possibly thrown from the plane,” added Lee.
Preliminary investigations suggest a bird strike may have caused the landing gear to malfunction. One passenger reportedly texted a relative before the crash, saying, “A bird is stuck in the wing. Should I say my last words?”
The crash is the worst involving a South Korean airline since the 1997 Korean Air disaster in Guam, which killed 229 people.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok visited the scene, pledging full government support for recovery efforts.
Jeju Air expressed deep regret, with CEO Kim Yi-bae stating, “We will do everything we can to deal with this accident,” while Boeing extended condolences, promising to assist in the investigation.
Authorities are working to identify victims, many of whom are believed to be South Korean nationals, along with two Thai passengers.
The match began cautiously, with both teams focused on maintaining their defensive structures. South Sudan, known for their resilience, matched Rwanda’s intensity in the early exchanges.
Despite the slow start, Arsène Tuyisenge tested South Sudan’s goalkeeper Juma Jenaro with a direct shot in the 10th minute, earning Rwanda their first corner of the match.
Amavubi’s midfield trio—Jean Bosco Ruboneka, Gilbert Mugisha, and Jean Claude Niyomugabo—controlled the tempo, forcing several saves from Jenaro. Didier Mugisha came close to opening the scoring in the 20th minute, missing a rebound from the post with only the goalkeeper to beat.
As the first half progressed, Rwanda continued to dominate possession, but South Sudan’s defense held firm. In the 35th minute, Gilbert Mugisha’s free kick struck the woodwork, and Didier Mugisha was quick to capitalize on the rebound, tapping the ball past Jenaro to give Rwanda a 1-0 lead.
Rwanda had a golden opportunity to double their advantage in the dying moments of the first half. A South Sudanese defender handled the ball in the penalty area, and the referee awarded a penalty. However, captain Kevin Muhire’s effort was saved by Jenaro, leaving the score at 1-0 heading into halftime.
The second half began with Rwanda attacking with renewed vigor. Muhire redeemed himself in the 55th minute, weaving through South Sudan’s defense to slot home Amavubi’s second goal. The home crowd erupted in celebration as Rwanda seemed poised to secure a convincing win.
Despite trailing 2-0, South Sudan refused to back down. Substitute David Sebit capitalized on a defensive lapse in the 81st minute, firing a powerful shot past Adolphe Hakizimana to make it 2-1. Amavubi pushed forward in search of a third goal, but missed chances from Ruboneka and others to keep the score line unchanged.
The Tunisian referee added three minutes of stoppage time, but neither side could alter the outcome. Rwanda’s victory marked a valiant effort but fell short of the desired aggregate result, leaving fans both hopeful and uncertain about their team’s CHAN 2024 prospects.
{{Aggregate deadlock and CECAFA rankings}}
The 2-1 win brought the aggregate score between Rwanda and South Sudan to 4-4, but South Sudan was eliminated on the away goals rule after conceding more goals at home in the first leg, which ended 3-2 in Juba.
In the CECAFA region rankings, Sudan emerged as the top team with six points after a dominant 4-1 aggregate victory over Ethiopia. Rwanda and South Sudan each finished with three points, while Burundi remained at zero points with their second match against Uganda still pending.
The CECAFA region is allotted four slots in the CHAN finals. Three of these are automatically taken by the host nations—Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania—leaving only one slot for the remaining countries to contest.
With Sudan securing the top spot, Amavubi’s fate now lies in the hands of CAF, which is yet to decide on replacements for Libya and Tunisia, who withdrew from the tournament.
{{Hopes for CAF’s decision}}
Although Rwanda missed out on direct qualification, there is still a glimmer of hope. CAF must fill the void left by Libya and Tunisia’s withdrawal, and Rwanda could be considered as one of the replacement teams.
Caretaker coach Jimmy Mulisa, who stepped in for head coach Frank Spittler during his holiday absence, expressed mixed feelings after the match.
“The boys gave everything on the pitch today. We are proud of the win, but unfortunately, the aggregate result was not in our favor. Now we wait and hope for good news from CAF,” Mulisa said.
Amavubi’s victory over South Sudan showcased the team’s potential, with standout performances from players like Kevin Muhire and Didier Mugisha. However, the missed penalty and defensive lapses highlighted areas that need improvement if Rwanda is to compete at the highest level.
As the team awaits CAF’s decision, fans remain optimistic that Rwanda will join the CHAN 2024 tournament, set to be hosted in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
{{Final Standings in CECAFA Region CHAN Qualifiers:}}
• Sudan: 6 points
• Rwanda: 3 points
• South Sudan: 3 points
• Burundi: 0 points (pending second match against Uganda)
With the CHAN 2024 finals fast approaching, Amavubi’s journey is far from over. Their spirited performance against South Sudan is a testament to their resilience, and should CAF grant them a spot, Rwanda will undoubtedly aim to make a strong impression on the regional stage.
