“My deepest sympathies to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and the victims of the devastating landslides that have claimed hundreds of lives in southern Ethiopia. Rwanda stands in solidarity and support with the people of Ethiopia during this difficult time,” President Kagame posted on his X handle.
According to media reports, the landslides occurred on Sunday evening and Monday morning, triggered by heavy rains in the remote mountainous area of the Gofa zone in Southern Ethiopia.
Local authorities have reported that the search for survivors is “continuing vigorously,” but warned that the “death toll could rise.”
The Communications Affairs Department in Ethiopia disclosed that at least 148 men and 81 women were killed in the Kencho-Shacha locality in the Gofa Zone on Monday.
In May 2024, floods affected more than 19,000 people across several zones in Ethiopia, displacing over 1,000 and causing significant damage to livelihoods and infrastructure.
In 2017, at least 113 people died when a huge Stack of rubbish collapsed in a landfill on the outskirts of Addis Ababa.
Rwanda has also experienced similar tragedies. On the night of Tuesday, May 3, 2023, heavy rains led to floods and landslides that claimed over 130 lives.
However, the region has witnessed other devastating landslides.
In February 2010, mudslides in the Mount Elgon region of Eastern Uganda killed more than 350 people. The deadliest landslide in Africa occurred in Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, in August 2017, where 1,141 people died.
In a twist of events, Ruto handed critical dockets including Finance, Energy and Mining, to opposition leader Raila Odinga’s allies in what has been perceived as an attempt to appease the protesters demanding radical changes in government.
Addressing the media at State House, Nairobi, Ruto hoped his new cabinet would revive efforts to deflate anti-government protests that have been going on for weeks.
President Ruto nominated the chairman of the ODM party, John Mbadi, as Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Economic Planning (Finance). He also picked ODM deputy leaders Wycliffe Oparanya and Ali Hassan Joho to head plum dockets previously held by his loyalists.
Oparanya has been nominated to head the Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development, while Joho will be in charge of the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs.
Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, also a senior member of Odinga’s ODM party, has been nominated as Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum.
Seven more new appointments were made in addition to the [11 that Ruto announced last week->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/president-ruto-retains-6-ministers-in-new-cabinet-appointments#:~:text=They%20are%20Kithure%20Kindiki%20(Interior,takes%20over%20the%20Roads%20docket.].
Salim Mvurya was moved from the Ministry of Mining and Blue Economy to the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry. Kipchumba Murkomen is set to become the Minister of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports after a stint at the Road and Transport docket.
Former Trade Minister, Rebecca Miano, will be in charge of the Tourism and Wildlife portfolio.
Alfred Mutua has been nominated to head the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, while former Attorney General Justin Muturi has been nominated to head the Ministry of Public Service and Human Capital Development. Stella Soi Lang’at is set to take over as the new Minister for Gender, Culture, the Arts, and Heritage.
The ODM party is the main opposition party in Kenya. It is also the largest party in the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition, which was formed in the run-up to the 2022 presidential elections.
The Ministry of Finance and Planning recently found itself at the center of the Kenyan protests after drafting the Finance Bill 2024, which sought to raise $2.7 billion local revenue through collection of additional taxes.
Former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga last week opposed calls for President Ruto to resign over government failures and instead called for dialogue to resolve the issues raised by the youth.
While announcing the additional members of the cabinet, Ruto promised to tackle corruption in government by undertaking stringent measures.
“I will be proposing the amendment of the Evidence Act, Criminal Procedure Code, as well as other necessary changes, to expedite and prosecute corruption cases within six months,” he said.
Additionally, the president pledged to propose amendments to the Witness Protection Act to protect and incentivize whistleblowers as well as enhance witness protection.
Sources say that Nemeyimana, on the night of July 23, 2024 staked to drink 13 bottles of the local brew that had been bought for him. Unfortunately, after consuming 11 bottles he accepted defeat and decided to go home only to be discovered dead on the roadside.
It is suspected that his death resulted from the effects of excessive quantities of the brew. The incident occurred in Rugerero Village, Muhambo Cell, Cyumba Sector.
An eye witness who spoke on condition of anonymity narrated that Nemeyimana was reportedly seen at a bar that night, where he accepted a bet from a 24-year-old acquaintance to drink 13 bottles of Nesha.
“After consuming 11 bottles, he began to feel weak and chose to go home. He was later found lying dead on the roadside near a church,” the eye witness said.
SP Jean Bosco Mwiseneza, spokesperson for the Rwanda National Police in the Northern Province has said that individuals suspected of any involvement in Nemeyimana’s death have been apprehended.
“An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of death. Two individuals suspected of being responsible have been taken into custody and handed over to the Byumba RIB station,” he stated.
SP Mwiseneza urged the public to report any potential risks to safety promptly. The deceased’s body has been taken to Byumba Hospital for an autopsy.
The acquisition was disclosed on the evening of Tuesday, July 23, 2024, though details about the deal are still scanty. IGIHE has learnt that deal was finalized on July 18, 2024.
In a brief interview, Mahmoud Nasr, the CEO of Prime Cement, confirmed the development. Asked what could have triggered the deal, Mahmoud declined to divulge more details.
“It is the responsibility of the government. You should be asking them why the takeover happened,” he said before hanging up.
The CEO of the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE), Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba, also confirmed that CIMERWA had informed them about the acquisition last week.
“They informed us last week, and the process is ongoing. This acquisition has significant implications for CIMERWA and its shareholders. Prime Cement was a major competitor in the market. When you acquire a competitor, you are essentially taking over the market. National Cement Holdings Ltd, which acquired CIMERWA, aims to lead the market wherever they operate by reducing the importation of cement into the country,” he stated.
The amount CIMERWA paid to acquire Prime Cement has not been disclosed yet. This move follows CIMERWA’s acquisition by National Cement Holdings Limited, which owns cement manufacturing plants across Africa.
In November 2023, CIMERWA’s management announced that the company had been acquired by National Cement Holdings Limited after it secured 99.94% of its shares.
By January 2024, National Cement Holdings Ltd’s management announced they had completed the payment for the 99.94% shares in CIMERWA, amounting to $85 million, equivalent to Rwf107,963,175,000.
They committed to satisfying the cement demand in Rwanda by eliminating the need for imports thereby ensuring affordable prices to Rwandans.
CIMERWA, established in 1984, became the first cement factory in Rwanda. Its cement has been used in major projects such as BK Arena, Bugesera International Airport, Amahoro Stadium, various roads, and over 2000 classrooms.
Prime Cement, the newly acquired factory, had a capacity of processing 600,000 tons of cement per year.
CIMERWA earlier announced through local media outlets that the acquisition of Prime Cement’s assets was an “off-market transaction.”
“CIMERWA Plc will take over all operational assets of Prime Cement, with the government retaining any outstanding liabilities. The company believes this acquisition will significantly boost its capabilities and market position,” reads a statement.
Through the Kenya Media Sector Working Group, journalists carrying placards with messages such as ‘Shoot Not the Messenger’ brought business to a standstill as they marched across Nairobi streets to deliver their petition to the police.
In the petition, the members of the press listed several demands including accountability for illegal shooting, beating, abduction, and harassment of journalists by state operatives.
They demanded immediate prosecution of rogue police officers including the one who shot a journalist in Nakuru.
The journalists also castigated the government over threats to shut down media houses covering the [anti-government protests->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/protesters-storm-kenyan-parliament-as-controversial-finance-bill-is-passed] that continue to be witnessed in the country.
“Today, we have appropriated our rights as citizens and professionals to gather and express our anger over police brutality against journalists, threats to shut media houses, and other primitive strategies by state organs and agencies, politicians, and their ill intentions bent on curtailing the hard-won freedom of expression and media,” the journalists said.
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Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki, a journalist working with K24TV, was shot four times by police during an anti-government protest on July 16, 2024. Medics confirmed that three rubber bullets were lodged in her thighs, with one of them causing a serious injury.
Narrating her ordeal at a Nakuru hospital where she was admitted, Wanjeri told local media recently that she was being targeted by the police alongside other journalists for covering the anti-government protests.
“Nobody would convince me that I was not a target, it is not the first time I have been targeted. I had been hit by a teargas canister but I did not report nor escalate the matter. I just showed my colleagues the scar on the same leg that I was shot at,” she recounted.
In the same week, veteran journalist and newspaper columnist Macharia Gaitho was violently arrested while driving around Nairobi with his son. However, the police later freed the scribe without charge, terming the arrest a case of mistaken identity.
Recently, the Communications Authority of Kenya cautioned the media against broadcasting content pertaining to the ongoing protests, arguing that airing such content violates the Constitution.
Citing violent protests that have resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of property, the authority said the media is mandated with the critical role of maintaining public order and sensitivity.
The Government, through Rwanda Development Board (RDB), has entered into a long-term strategic partnership with Rio Tinto Minerals Development Limited for the exploration of lithium, tin, tantalum, tungsten, and other associated metal deposits in the country.
According to RDB, the goal of this partnership is to align with Rwanda’s strategic objectives to develop its mining sector as a key driver of economic growth. It is a remarkable step forward in advancing Rwanda’s contribution to the global green energy transition.
Francis Gatare, Chief Executive Officer at RDB, has expressed delight in partnering with Rio Tinto on the groundbreaking project.
“This collaboration elevates Rwanda’s standing in the global mining industry and promises substantial economic and technological advancements for our country. We are dedicated to supporting this endeavor and ensuring its success,” he stated.
The initiative will initially focus on the early stages of regional exploration, utilizing innovative technologies and modern exploration methodologies. The program will begin by collecting and interpreting high-quality data collection using advanced geological, geochemical, and geophysical techniques.
This venture brings on board Rio Tinto’s extensive global mineral exploration experience to blend with local expertise, setting new standards in Rwanda’s sustainable and responsible mining practices.
Francis Kamanzi, CEO of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), expressed confidence that the partnership will advance Rwanda’s mining industry, making it a major economic enabler and contributor to sustainable development.
“With this remarkable partnership, we look forward to blending our local expertise in mining with Rio Tinto’s global experience to leverage our mineral resources potential and enhance our geological capabilities,” he noted.
Dave Andrews, Head of Rio Tinto Exploration, expressed commitment to working with the Government of Rwanda to explore the country’s geological potential.
This strategic partnership follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between both parties in January 2024 for the exploration and mining of lithium in Rwanda’s Western Province.
Last year, Rwanda launched a three-year exploration campaign as part of a strategy to modernize the mining sector. This strategy aligns with other key areas, including mineral extraction and beneficiation, mineral value addition, and mineral trading. The mining sector contributes about 3% to Rwanda’s GDP and employs more than 72,000 people.
The MPs were reacting to horrific scenes witnessed as security forces clamped down on demonstrators who had planned a peaceful demonstration demanding for the resignation of the Speaker, Rt Hon Anita Among over corruption allegations.
On Tuesday early morning, a security blanket rolled over Kampala as Uganda Police Force and Military deployed hundreds of personnel in what authorities described as a precautionary measure to avoid law breakers from disorganizing the city.
During plenary sitting, security services had deployed heavily outside Parliament preventing demonstrators from accessing the premises in a planned Anti-Corruption march.
In downtown Kampala, the army deployed armored vehicles and heavily-armed personnel to patrol the streets resulting in over 60 demonstrators being detained at various police stations in Kampala, according to local media reports.
This did not go well with some MPs who accused the speaker of selectively applying the law when it comes to public demonstrations.
Hon Joel Senyonyi, the Leader of Opposition and MP for Nakawa West Constituency asked the Deputy Speaker Rt Hon Thomas Tayembwa why the “protesters” against people pursuing the censure motion against corrupt Parliamentary officials are well received while those demanding the resignation of his boss are stopped.
“When protesters against corruption in Parliament and other entities want to come to Parliament, they are brutally arrested but when those against people pursuing the censure motion against corrupt Parliamentary officials show up, they are well received. These double standards must stop, peaceful young people should be listened to,” Senyonyi said.
The security deployments and eventual arrests follow the youth’s declaration to hold a peaceful demonstration against corruption in government, especially Parliament
The youth are calling for the resignation of the top leadership of Parliament and reduction of lawmakers’ salaries and allowances.
Several protesters were arrested and detained at various Police Posts as they held placards condemning corruption in government.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Law Society (ULS) has set up a team of lawyers to secure bail for the arrested protestors.
Led by Bernard Oundo, the President of ULS, lawyers from the Legal Aid Project of ULS are already at Jinja Road Police Station to secure bond for the detained protesters.
“They have been told to wait for a while. All the stations where the protesters have been detained have already been visited by our lawyers from the Uganda Law Society to represent them. The Law Society is more than ready to assist in the provision of legal aid,” Oundo said.
The Uganda Human Rights Commission Chairperson Justice Mariam Wangadya has advised government to present those arrested during the ongoing anti-corruption protests before the Courts of Law within the stipulated time.
Wangadya also asked government to consider releasing those arrested without any charge, and implored security agencies to exercise their mandate within the realms of the law.
In Rwanda, marriage is viewed as a significant decision that involves careful consideration of various factors, including financial stability, maturity, societal expectations, and individual needs.
In the wake of a legal proposal by the Rwanda government to reduce the marriage age from 21 to 18 years, the public is widely divided.
While some marry before the age of 25, others wait until their 40s or beyond based on personal experiences or observations. To some others, age is just a number.
To comprehensively explore perspectives on the ideal age for marriage and the factors influencing this decision, IGIHE spoke to different members of the society.
A 25-year-old motorcyclist, who preferred to remain anonymous, believes that marriage should begin from age 20.
“Marriage goes with financial ability. From my understanding, a person who is 20 years old or above can get married because at that age someone is at least financially stable to run a family,” he explained.
Yassin Munyentwari, a local journalist in his thirties thinks that there should be no specific age for getting married.
“A person should consider marriage when they feel fully prepared, both mentally and emotionally. This decision should be made after finding someone they believe can spend the rest of their life with them,” he reasoned.
According to him, once consensus between a couple is reached at considering current and future life needs, the decision to get married should apply equally to both girls and boys.
“Everyone should have the autonomy to decide when they feel ready for marriage, without being restricted by age,” he said.
Pascal Baziki, a 33-year-old airtime vendor from Rusizi District, observes that societal pressure often influences people to marry early.
“Some people do it under pressure basing on others who have got married or even given birth. However, I personally think this should be an individual choice,” he said.
Baziki has decided to marry in two years’ time when he clocks the age of 35 because that’s when he will be ready and well equipped to conduct a wedding ceremony without being a burden to anyone.
Solange Niyoniringiye is a 22-year-old businesswoman in Kigali. She shared her views emphasizing that no one should be compelled to marry just because others have.
“A person should be prepared enough to get married. Being engaged is one thing but transforming into a legal marriage involves many factors especially financially. It would be weird to get married and start soliciting for food from neighbors the next day,” she said.
Richard Twizeyimana, a 33-year-old man from Gatsibo District, says that engagements should last at least three years to allow for thorough consideration of one’s life partner.
“Nowadays, people’s engagements can last for one month, but it should be at least three years. That is when you will have enough time to get a thorough understanding of your life partner,” he says.
For ladies in particular, Twizeyimana explains that the perfect age for marriage should be 24 years old and above.
These diverse views highlight that marriage is a subject with varying perspectives.
To address this complex issue, the focus should be put on ensuring the well-being and future prospects of marriage as an institution. Young citizens should be empowered to enter marriage with the maturity and resources necessary for a stable and fulfilling relationship.
Rwandan family law currently sets the legal marriage age at 21. However, in March 2024, the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion reported that numerous girls aged 18 to 20 sought permission from the Ministry of Local Government to marry, but their requests were denied.
Sources say that many of those seeking to marry before 21 were either pregnant or sought to take on employment opportunities abroad that require an affirmative marital status.
A legislative proposal is currently under review by the Rwandan Parliament that could potentially lower the marriage age to 18 if individuals have valid reasons.
According to The Barrett Academy, an international think-tank on human consciousness, there are seven stages of psychological development.
Between age 20 and 25, individuals typically reach physical and mental maturity, completing the first three stages: surviving, conforming, and differentiating.
Research by Nicholas H. Wolfinger from the University of Utah suggests that the optimal age for marriage is between 28 and 32.
The AU chief made the comments while congratulating President Paul Kagame on his re-election in the recently concluded general election.
“H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat warmly congratulates President Paul Kagame upon his brilliant re-election as Head of state following the announcement of the official presidential and legislative election results by the Rwandan National Elections Commission on 22 July 2024,” a statement issued by AUC on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, reads in part.
“The Chairperson also commended the Government and the National Elections Commission for the successful organization and conduct of the elections judged to be peaceful, transparent, free and fair by both national and international observers, including the joint African Union/COMESA Election Observation Mission.”
According to Faki, the Rwandan authorities’ self-financing of the entire electoral process illustrates strong national ownership and commitment to the country’s democratic and governance credentials.
Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Togolese counterpart Faure Gnassingbé also joined other world leaders on Tuesday in congratulating Kagame for his landslide victory.
In his message to President Kagame, Jinping highlighted that Rwanda has traditionally been a friendly nation to China. He noted that in recent years, relations between China and Rwanda have developed rapidly, yielding fruitful results in various sectors and deepening their traditional friendship.
He committed to working with President Kagame to further enhance mutual political trust and to expand and deepen practical cooperation in various fields.
President Gnassingbe, on his part, said Kagame’s re-election reflects the renewed confidence of the Rwandan people in the RPF Inkotanyi leader’s leadership and vision for the country.
“I hope that this new term will strengthen the ongoing cooperation between our countries and the fraternity between our peoples,” he added.
Kagame secured a landslide victory in last week’s general election, garnering 99.18% of the votes. His opponents, Dr. Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana, received 0.50% and 0.32% of the votes, respectively.
The incident occurred this month at a rally in Pennsylvania, where a gunman nearly succeeded in bringing down the 2024 Republican presidential candidate.
The resignation follows increasing bipartisan pressure and investigations by lawmakers and an internal government watchdog into the agency’s handling of Trump’s security.
During a House Oversight Committee hearing, Cheatle admitted to “significant” security lapses but resisted calls for her resignation. “I think I am the best person to lead the Secret Service at this time,” she stated.
Speaking to the media, House Speaker Mike Johnson deemed the resignation “overdue” and emphasized the need to restore public trust in the Secret Service.
Cheatle, appointed by President Joe Biden in 2022, initially insisted she would not step down following the shooting.
