Illinois and Hawaii led the surge, with Illinois experiencing a 116.2% increase, driven by an influx of migrants in Chicago.
Migrants and asylum seekers made up over 13,600 people in emergency shelters across the region. Hawaii saw an 87% rise, with the aftermath of the Maui wildfires displacing thousands.
Massachusetts and New York reported increases exceeding 50%, with New York City noting that asylum seekers accounted for nearly 88% of its rise in sheltered homelessness.
Meanwhile, California remained home to nearly a quarter of the nation’s homeless population, with 66.3% of its homeless living in unsheltered conditions.
Family homelessness rose 39% nationwide, disproportionately affecting children and people identifying as Black or African American.
Experts point to the ongoing affordable housing crisis, the end of eviction moratoriums, and a lack of investment in housing solutions as key contributors to this alarming trend.
HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman emphasized the importance of evidence-based efforts to address homelessness, highlighting the urgency of tackling a crisis that continues to deepen across the country.
The match, a crucial step in the qualification for next year’s CHAN tournament in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, is scheduled for 6 PM at Amahoro Stadium.
Jimmy Mulisa’s side must overcome a 3-2 loss from the first leg in Juba to keep their qualification hopes alive. However, winning the match alone won’t guarantee Rwanda a spot in the tournament. Coach Mulisa emphasized the importance of performing well, regardless of the circumstances.
“The players must fight for the honour of the national team. We’ve consistently reminded them not to focus on other factors but to do everything possible to secure a win,” the coach said on Friday.
Before the session, Mulisa assured the new Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, who had visited the team, that the players were in good shape, with no issues apart from injuries that had already been addressed with substitutes.
Team captain Muhire Kevin expressed confidence, stating that they are determined to qualify for CHAN and are ready to beat South Sudan, having corrected their previous mistakes.
The Amavubi need to eliminate South Sudan to advance and await CAF’s decision on selecting two replacement teams for Tunisia and Libya, who have withdrawn from the tournament.
Currently, Sudan holds the sole CECAFA region slot in CHAN after winning both legs against Tunisia. However, there is optimism that the region will receive an additional slot following the withdrawal of Arab nations, similar to what happened in 2018.
The mass escape occurred as the country grappled with widespread protests and violence after the ruling Frelimo party was declared the winner of the disputed October 9 elections.
The chaos began around midday, when violent demonstrations in the vicinity of the high-security prison ignited a rebellion among the inmates.
According to Mozambique’s police chief, Bernardino Rafael, prisoners seized weapons from guards and started releasing other detainees, including 29 convicted terrorists. The breach occurred after the prison wall was collapsed during the protests, allowing prisoners to flee.
In the aftermath, at least 33 inmates were killed, and 15 others were injured in clashes with security forces.
Videos shared on social media showed the moment when inmates fled the prison, with some hiding in nearby homes. Military personnel and prison guards swiftly captured some of the fugitives, though a number remain on the run.
“A curious fact is that in that prison we had 29 convicted terrorists, who they released. We are worried, as a country, as Mozambicans, as members of the defense and security forces,” said Rafael.
The police chief called on those who had escaped to surrender voluntarily while urging the public to stay vigilant.
The prison break is part of a broader wave of unrest that has swept through Mozambique in the wake of the contested election results.
Protests have raged across the country, with demonstrators targeting police stations, vehicles, and public infrastructure in response to the victory of Frelimo’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, who secured 65% of the vote. Opposition supporters, primarily from Venancio Mondlane’s camp, have fueled the violence, rejecting the election results.
The violence has drawn international concern, with the United Nations calling for an immediate halt to the bloodshed and urging all parties to engage in peaceful dialogue. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for legal redress and a resolution to the political crisis.
Speaking on the ‘Long Form’ podcast by Sanny Ntayombya, McCormick opened up about his experiences cooking for President Paul Kagame, who he said he has cooked for at least five times, along with his family.
He detailed the “pressure and scrutiny” that came with preparing meals for the Head of State, who, according to McCormick, prefers a healthy diet.
“It was a lot of pressure the first time, but after that, as they got to know me, it eased up,” said McCormick, referring to the President’s handlers and the chefs at Urugwiro Village.
He recounted an intimate gathering where he observed President Kagame watching a football match, a moment that humanized the leader often seen through a lens of political and historical significance in the liberation struggle of Rwanda in the early 1990s.
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McCormick, who now owns the Le Petit Chalet restaurant and Kigali Pizza Company in Kigali, along with the fine dining establishment Lilly, also discussed his life-changing decision to move to Rwanda during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
After losing his job in the U.S., where he had worked in various high-profile positions, including as a corporate executive chef managing multiple restaurants, McCormick found himself at a crossroads.
“The circumstances made it so it wasn’t a normal life journey,” McCormick explained, reflecting on his move to Rwanda.
He cited his desire to raise his children in a different cultural and political climate as a primary motivator for the relocation.
“I moved here because of my kids. I wanted them to grow up in a different system, away from the political and social divisions in the U.S. at the time. I felt it would be better for them to experience life differently,” the chef remarked citing President Kagame’s strong leadership.
McCormick’s wife, originally from Ethiopia, was equally enthusiastic about the move, seeing it as an opportunity to return to Africa.
“My wife felt the same way I did about moving; she left Ethiopia at around 13 and finished high school in Toronto before moving to the U.S., giving her a broad perspective from living in different places. She always wanted to return to Africa, considering the whole continent her home, not just Ethiopia. So when I presented the opportunity to move to Rwanda, she was 100% on board, especially given the circumstances back home and the global situation with the pandemic. Why not leave?” he stated.
McCormick’s journey in Rwanda has not been without its challenges. He discussed the high failure rate of restaurants, noting that in America, 90% of restaurants don’t survive their first year. In Rwanda, however, he finds the market less competitive but still demanding.
“You need a lot of skill, dedication, and an understanding of the local economy,” McCormick stated, emphasizing the need for adaptability and creativity in menu planning to cater to both local and expatriate diners.
McCormick has managed to find success in Kigali by blending international flavours with local tastes, although he admits to missing the larger market and variety he experienced in the U.S.
His restaurants have become popular spots for both Rwandans and foreigners, with the Le Petit Chalet particularly noted for its Eurocentric menu and standout dishes like French Onion Soup and Chalet Potatoes.
Looking ahead, Chef McCormick is not resting on his laurels. He plans to expand his culinary empire within Rwanda, with ambitions to open a dry-aged steakhouse, a jazz bar, and possibly another pizza outlet, perhaps even at the new Kigali International Airport.
He also expressed interest in establishing a non-profit culinary school to nurture local talent, recognizing a gap in the training and development of restaurant staff in Rwanda.
When questioned about the future of Rwanda’s food scene, McCormick was cautiously optimistic. He noted the absence of Michelin stars in Africa but suggested that with the right focus on local ingredients and innovation, Rwanda could carve out its own culinary identity.
At the age of two, his family relocated to Chicago, USA, in search of safety and opportunities. That move, though daunting, set the stage for an extraordinary journey.
Rugamba grew up in a household where challenges were constant, but so was a deep-rooted sense of determination. His mother, Daniella Esperance Umutanguha, was the cornerstone of their survival.
A single parent raising ten children, including some she adopted after they were orphaned by the Genocide, Daniella’s life was a testament to resilience. She worked tirelessly while pursuing a nursing degree in a foreign country, often sacrificing her own needs to ensure her children had a future. Emmanuel often credits her strength as the inspiration behind his perseverance.
Sports entered Rugamba’s life almost by chance. His older siblings played basketball, but at just nine years old, he was too young to join them. To keep him occupied, Daniella signed him up for football.
It was a simple decision that would change the trajectory of his life. Rugamba quickly fell in love with the game, finding a sense of belonging on the field that extended beyond the boundaries of sport. Football became his escape, his passion, and his purpose.
As he grew, Rugamba’s talent and work ethic began to stand out. In high school, his coach, the late Tim Lavery, saw his potential early on. Lavery’s words, “If you keep playing like this, someone’s going to pay for your college,” became a driving force for the young athlete.
For him, football was more than a game; it was a lifeline. He realized that excelling on the field could provide a scholarship, easing the financial strain on his mother and opening doors to a brighter future.
Rugamba’s hard work paid off when he earned a scholarship to the University of Iowa, where he transitioned from wide receiver to cornerback. His versatility and determination on the field caught the attention of scouts.
Though he went undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns signed him as a free agent.
That moment was a culmination of years of perseverance. Becoming the first Rwandan to sign with the NFL was a milestone not just for Rugamba but for an entire community inspired by his journey.
Although his time with the Browns was brief, Rugamba’s resolve never wavered. He joined the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League in 2022, where he thrived. By 2023, he had earned a spot on the CFL West All-Star Team, solidifying his place as a standout athlete. His career trajectory underscores the value of persistence and adaptability, even in the face of setbacks.
Rugamba’s story is about more than his accomplishments on the field. It is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity. As a refugee who turned his struggles into motivation, he embodies hope for countless displaced people around the world.
For him, every achievement represents more than personal success—it is an opportunity to inspire others to dream big, regardless of their circumstances. The dream is to give back through mentorship programs, football camps, and initiatives that help youth unlock their potential.
The connection to his Rwandan heritage remains a vital part of his identity. Though he has yet to visit Rwanda, Rugamba carries his roots with pride. He envisions a future where American football is introduced to the country, providing young Rwandans with opportunities to excel in sports.
Off the field, Rugamba actively engages in outreach programs through the BC Lions, using his platform to mentor young athletes and share his story. He is determined to show that success is possible through hard work, faith, and perseverance.
His path from a refugee camp to NFL stardom is a story of hope, determination, and the unyielding belief that dreams can come true. As he continues to excel in his career, his legacy grows—not just as an athlete but as a symbol of resilience and possibility.
His journey inspires countless others to believe that no matter where they start, with enough courage and dedication, they can achieve greatness.
According to the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), the initiative will see 240,000 avocado seedlings planted on 800 hectares and 60,000 mango seedlings planted on 200 hectares nationwide.
The expansion plan targets five districts for avocado cultivation, including Rusizi in the Western Province, Huye and Nyanza in the Southern Province, and Rwamagana and Bugesera in the Eastern Province.
The seedlings will be grafted, a specialized horticultural technique that merges parts of different plants to enhance traits like yield, quality, and resilience.
For mango cultivation, the government will focus on Rusizi and Bugesera, planting across 200 hectares.
In addition to avocados and mangoes, Rwanda plans to scale up macadamia production by planting 102,000 seedlings on 100 hectares in Nyamasheke, Karongi, Rusizi, Rutsiro, and Rwamagana districts.
The efforts are part of a broader strategy to expand Rwanda’s production of high-value horticultural crops, including mangoes, avocados, and macadamia, to strengthen the country’s position in global horticultural markets.
Data from NAEB released last year shows that between 2017 and 2022, Rwanda’s avocado export volumes increased from 105.4 metric tons in 2016/2017 to 2,765 metric tons in 2021/2022, while revenues soared from $37,155 to $4,533,801 during the same period.
The Hass and Fuerte avocado types are the three most popular varieties in Rwanda.
Jean Bosco Mulindi, Emerging Commodities Division Manager at NAEB, emphasized that the plan aims to increase agricultural exports while enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
“By focusing on high-demand crops like mango, avocado, and patchouli, NAEB continues to drive the growth of Rwanda’s horticulture sector and contribute to the overall development of the country’s agro-export economy,” Mulindi said.
The initiative is funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and aims to boost productivity and incomes for farmers while creating valuable job opportunities.
A significant component of the program involves the community-based production of seedlings, with active participation from youth and women’s groups. This inclusive approach is expected to uplift the living standards of participants and their families.
Facing political instability, economic hardships, and rising insecurity, the leaders issued a joint statement condemning widespread oppression, human rights violations, and the proliferation of illegal armed groups, including foreign mercenaries.
They demanded the immediate withdrawal of these forces, emphasizing the need to uphold democracy, restore fundamental rights, and end ethnic discrimination.
Both leaders also criticized the government’s governance, denouncing plans for constitutional reforms aimed at extending presidential terms indefinitely. They stressed that power is a temporary democratic trust, not a permanent entitlement.
The duo expressed solidarity with victims of the regime’s policies and arbitrary arrests, including journalists and activists. They urged international actors to break their silence and support Congolese efforts to reclaim freedom and democracy, highlighting atrocities in Goma, Lubumbashi, and Makala Prison.
While commending regional peace initiatives from Nairobi and Luanda, they stressed the importance of aligning solutions with the aspirations of ordinary Congolese citizens, who long for peace and justice.
Their declaration is a rallying cry for political and social forces opposing dictatorship to unite in pursuit of an inclusive, people-centered alternative. Both leaders vowed to continue consultations, building momentum to address poverty, corruption, and infrastructure decay while safeguarding national unity.
This symbolic meeting marks a critical step towards mobilizing Congolese voices and fostering a future rooted in peace, freedom, and democracy.
Held in Dakar, Senegal, the games saw Rwanda achieve remarkable success, winning a total of six medals: four gold and two silver.
The Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration secured two gold medals in men’s football and volleyball. The Rwanda Energy Group (REG) triumphed in women’s basketball, while the Rwanda Revenue Authority claimed victory in women’s volleyball.
Additionally, the University Teaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB) earned a silver medal in women’s basketball, and the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) won silver in men’s volleyball.
Minister Mukazayire has via X account celebrated these accomplishments and reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to excelling in sports.
“Sports among public servants, private sector entities, and civil society organizations is vital. It provides opportunities for competition and winning for Rwanda. Our goal is for Rwanda to become a model in sports while leveraging its potential for development,” she posted.
The next edition of the African Workers’ Games is set to take place in Algeria next year.
The collaboration focuses on providing loan guarantees through BDF, particularly for clients who lack sufficient collateral. The partnership agreement was signed on December 24, 2024.
The Managing Director of Atlantique Microfinance Plc, Mohamed Aarouch, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting that it would enable the institution to expand its customer base and foster mutual growth.
Mary Lambasha, the Deputy Managing Director of Atlantique Microfinance, emphasized that the agreement is a significant milestone in making financial services more accessible.
She pointed out that the partnership would benefit a wide range of clients, especially those with no collateral or insufficient assets, opening up opportunities for individuals who previously struggled to secure loans due to collateral limitations.
Munyeshyaka Vincent, the CEO of BDF, noted that the collaboration addresses a key challenge of lacking collateral faced by many customers.
He explained that the partnership would allow both institutions to serve a larger group of clients while also strengthening Atlantique Microfinance’s ability to provide loans to more individuals.
Additionally, the partnership is expected to help Atlantique Microfinance increase its client base, leading to a rise in available loan funds, which in turn supports the institution’s financial growth.
BDF will also offer financial management training to Atlantique Microfinance’s clients to help them fully capitalize on the benefits of the partnership.
Since its arrival in Rwanda in 2019, Atlantique Microfinance has built a strong reputation for promoting inclusive financial services. The institution is part of AMIFA Holdings, based in Morocco, which is affiliated with Banque Centrale Populaire du Maroc (Groupe BCP).
AMIFA Holdings operates in several other African countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Guinea, Madagascar, and Rwanda.
Atlantique Microfinance currently operates six branches in Rwanda and plans to open additional branches to further expand its presence.
The company’s headquarters are located in Nyarugenge District, at Yyussa City Center, also known as Makuza Peace Plaza.
Holy Doors, found in significant churches, are traditionally opened during Jubilees, symbolizing a passage to divine mercy, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal.
Walking through a Holy Door is considered a powerful act of faith, representing a fresh start and the embrace of God’s grace.
As part of the Jubilee of Hope, Pope Francis chose to open the Holy Door at the prison after inaugurating the first one at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Speaking to the prisoners, in front of the prison’s chapel, the Church of Our Father, the Pope emphasized the importance of opening hearts to hope, reminding them that hope never disappoints.
As he celebrated a Mass, he encouraged those present to reflect on their own hearts, urging them to avoid hardness and embrace tenderness.
As the Holy See Press Office noted in a statement, at the end of the Mass, Prisoners and guards presented the Pope with symbolic gifts, including a miniature Holy Door made from wood salvaged from migrant boats.
In return, Pope Francis offered a commemorative parchment, leaving a message of hope and renewal that transcends the prison walls.
