The tragic incident occurred on the evening of January 30, 2024, in Gatungo village, Ryaruyumba cell, Manyagiro sector, Gicumbi district.
According to sources close to the family, the deceased had been expressing feelings of isolation in the days leading up to the incident, stating that the world was turning away from him.
The distressing discovery was made by his wife when she found him hanging from a rope above their house shortly after giving birth to their second born.
Parfaite Uwera, Acting Mayor of Gicumbi District, has confirmed the incident and urged people to share their challenges with others early on to facilitate timely support.
Reports from neighbors indicate that Masasu had traveled to Uganda in July 2021 and returned in July 2023, displaying signs of mental health issues upon his return.
Last year, Ukraine’s debt increased by 30.4 percent, or 33.9 billion dollars, according to a report by the Ukrainian Finance Ministry.
In 2023, the country’s external debt increased by 42.3 percent to 101.7 billion dollars, while internal borrowings were up by 13.3 percent to 1.656 trillion hryvnia (about 43.6 billion dollars).
In 2022, Ukraine’s combined state debt rose by 13.7 percent to 111.45 billion dollars.
The Finance Ministry estimated earlier that Ukraine, which received 42.6 billion dollars in loans and grants in 2023, would require more than 37 billion dollars in external financing this year.
The signature of the new program confirms the longstanding partnership in development cooperation between the Belgian and Rwandan authorities.
Valued at EUR 95 million (approximately Rwf131 billion), the cooperation programme strategically allocates resources across key sectors including agriculture, urbanisation and health, as well as in public finance management.
Building on the results of the ongoing cooperation programme 2019-2024, the new programme aims for continuity and impact. Both countries herewith reinforce their joint commitment to sustainable growth and pressing global challenges.
The new program has been developed in close collaboration over the course of 2023.
Implementation will be ensured jointly by MINECOFIN, technical ministries and agencies, and Enabel, the Belgian development agency. The program will complement another ongoing bilateral cooperation programme on decent work and social protection (EUR 17 million, 2022-2027). Part of a broader Team Europe approach, the programme also aligns with those of other EU development partners.
Commenting on the development, Minister Ndagijimana said: “The latest program represents a crucial stride forward, reaffirming our dedication to vital sectors such as agriculture, health, urbanization, and public finance management—a cornerstone for Rwanda’s socio-economic advancement. This agreement underscores the sustained collaboration between our two nations, a partnership that has consistently delivered tangible progress across diverse sectors of our engagement.”
Director Heidy Rombouts said: “With this new program Belgium and Rwanda renew their longstanding joint commitment to sustainable development. I am proud to stand here as a partner to Rwanda’s ambitious agenda on the access to healthcare, the transformation towards sustainable food systems and the development of climate-smart inclusive cities.”
{{Sectoral focus}}
{{Health: }} Health system strengthening, improving quality healthcare for all. The programme has a particular focus on sexual and reproductive health, as well as the fight against gender-based violence.
{{Agriculture: }} Increasing access to and the consumption of quality food for the growing population within an enabling environment for food system transformation. The programme does so through the development of sustainable, resilient and inclusive agricultural value chains in a context of increasing urbanisation.
{{Urbanisation:}} Supporting the development of sustainable and attractive satellite cities by enhancing the living conditions of its population, especially the most vulnerable. This way, the programme aims to contribute to a socioeconomic and environmental ecosystem that is inclusive and climate-proof.
“We do not want to waste time in talking. We want to move forward,” Al-Burhan, also chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council, made the remarks while addressing soldiers at a military base in the New Halfa area in eastern Sudan.
Al-Burhan commended the Sudanese people’s support for the army, saying “the Sudanese people and the army are together in one trench until this rebellion is defeated.”
He added that “the army is advancing in its battle to defeat the rebellion of the RSF backed by unprecedented popular support.”
Sudan has been witnessing deadly clashes between the SAF and the RSF since April 15, 2023. More than 13,000 people have been killed and over 9 million displaced since the fighting broke out, according to estimates released last week by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Born in Mataba in 1922, Mpyisi spent his formative years in Gitwe, where he toiled before embarking on a journey of exile that took him through various countries, including Burundi, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya. Revered for his impactful and witty oratory, he infused these qualities into his sermons and interviews.
The latest communication from Mpyisi occurred in December 2023 when he responded to unfounded rumors of his demise, attributing them to individuals with ill intentions influenced by malevolent forces. He promptly dismissed the speculations, affirming, “Where can I go when I am in the Lord Jesus?”
Despite acknowledging the inevitability of life’s conclusion, Pastor Mpyisi, a steadfast believer in God, faced death without fear. He confidently declared, “So whether I depart now or tomorrow, blessed are the dead who die in the Lord Jesus,” drawing inspiration from the words of Paul.
He firmly believed that those who departed in the Lord Jesus would experience a resurrection with a new and virtuous nature, liberated from the inclinations towards evil that lead to sin.
{{Stance against peculiar sayings }}
In the vibrant year of 2022, a peculiar saying reverberated among the youth— the ‘no hundred years’ notion. In response, Pastor Ezra Mpyisi eloquently debunked this belief, emphatically disproving it by achieving the remarkable milestone himself. The revelation unfolded amidst a jubilant celebration orchestrated by his family, dedicated to honoring his centennial birthday and expressing gratitude for his pivotal role in shaping the nation and bringing solace to many hearts.
In the midst of the festivity, Pastor Mpyisi seized the moment to address the misconception with finesse. He declared with unwavering confidence, “Those who propagate the idea that one may not live a hundred years stand corrected. This belief, often echoed by the younger generation, is a flawed prophecy. I stand before you at a hundred, a testament that defies their misguided projections.”
{{‘They ousted me from the church’ }}
In the year 2021, a poignant revelation unfolded as he disclosed a six-decade-long commitment to preaching within the hallowed halls of churches. Initially, the pews were filled, and financial contributions flowed abundantly. A chair of honor was bestowed upon him, yet as he began to unveil uncomfortable truths, the atmosphere shifted drastically.
With a heavy heart, he recounted, “They ousted me from the church, stripping me of my pulpit. Once a revered figure, now I am shunned. A mere decade ago, I presided over weddings, partaking in a charade of untruths. I did not unite couples as the Bible dictates. It was only later that I embraced the profound reality, forsaking the dishonest path I once trod.”
{{‘I was forced to embrace faith in God’}}
Mpyisi once recounted to IGIHE the story of his introduction to the Adventist Church, recalling an encounter with someone who urged him to embrace faith in God, albeit against his will.
He narrated, “While we were tending to cattle in Nyanza, they found us and compelled us to join.
Registering was mandatory, and skipping services meant facing repercussions, even physical harm to one’s father.”
A seasoned pastor with a 70-year tenure in teaching the Word of God, Mpyisi admitted, “I acquiesced to becoming an Adventist, and they emphasized unquestioning obedience to their directives.”
In a 2019 National Television interview, Pastor Ezra Mpyisi addressed his past relationship with alcohol. When questioned about whether he had ever consumed alcohol, he acknowledged the prevalence in Rwandan culture during his time but shared, “The time came for me, and I chose to give it up.”
Responding to the notion that alcohol might have a calming effect, he straightforwardly labeled it as “dangerous.”
Reflecting on his younger self, Mpyisi admitted to being a handsome young man with a penchant for pursuing relationships with women. When probed about whether he had been intimate with them, he responded candidly, “Listen, you’re asking the obvious. I reached a point where Jesus healed me from those pursuits.”
{{Stance on witchcraft }}
When questioned about his involvement in Witchcraft, Pastor Mpyisi openly shared that he witnessed his father practicing it during his upbringing. He acknowledged assisting his father in these rituals but emphasized that, in their perspective, it wasn’t considered a sin as it was an integral part of their religious beliefs.
When pressed on whether he now viewed it as a sinful practice, he vehemently denied any remorse. He explained, “I don’t regret my actions back then because, within our context, it wasn’t deemed sinful. However, my perspective has evolved, and I now regret it because I’ve come to understand what is morally superior. While Rwandans labeled it witchcraft, religious individuals termed it prayer. In essence, it’s the same; only the names differ.”
{{Establishing religious denominations as business ventures}}
In 2016, at the age of 94, Pastor Mpyisi underscored the surge in religious denominations in Rwanda, attributing it to the founders pursuing their personal interests, often financial gain.
He expressed, “It’s all about their interests. Having a religion becomes a pathway to wealth. It’s akin to a business. It’s about money! Their goal is riches, and the way these religious denominations are structured, people join in, and as they do, money flows in. True religion should be singular because God is one.”
{{Attending a wedding of a traditional healer with ‘magical power’}}
Pastor Ezra Mpyisi exhibited a remarkable level of innovation throughout his life. While Adventists typically do not endorse beliefs in witchcraft, he ventured beyond conventional boundaries by attending the wedding of a traditional healer with magical power, Rutangarwamaboko. His intention was to illustrate that such practices are not inherently sinful but rather rooted in Rwandan tradition.
He argued, “Consider our own marriage customs—did we not traditionally marry before consummating the union? This is ingrained in Rwandan culture. So, what defines a Christian marriage? Is there a distinction between cultural practices and sin? Do Christians not wear rings? Are rings inherently Christian? Some even incorporate rituals using a plant, Umwishywa.So, where does the differentiation lie?”
Continuing his discourse, Pastor Mpyisi challenged established norms, questioning, “Did God use a ring when officiating Adam and Eve’s marriage? Did he incorporate that plant or veil? Did they go to a temple? It suggests that all these symbols are mere constructs. What God intended was the union, recognizing ‘this is your wife, this is your husband,’ and abiding in harmony without worldly conflicts.”
He concluded by asserting that elements like rings, elaborate ceremonies, and church weddings are human fabrications, not intrinsic to God’s definition of marriage.
According to him, God’s marriage is characterized by understanding and peaceful coexistence between spouses, transcending worldly conventions.
{{‘RPF Inkotanyi did a great work’}}
During the screening of the film “Sogokuru,” depicting his life story, Pastor Ezra Mpyisi expressed heartfelt gratitude to his grandchildren who played a role in its creation.
Additionally, he didn’t forget to extend his thanks to the Inkotanyi, the individuals associated with the Rwandan Patriotic Front, who facilitated his return to the country after his period of exile.
He remarked, “Surrounded by these individuals brought together by the efforts of my grandchildren here in Rwanda, the Inkotanyi performed a miracle by reuniting us. In a gathering like this, I would like to emphasize the search for a sacred place, for it is in Heaven where Jesus has gone to prepare for us.”
Reflecting on his past, Pastor Ezra Mpyisi candidly admitted in 2020 that one of his deepest regrets was misleading people for many years by preaching inaccurate teachings he had been erroneously taught himself.
He shared, “For years, I propagated misinformation. What brings me solace is that, at the age of 98, God protected me, and in those final years, I delved into the Bible, realizing my errors. I sought the truth and discovered that Rwandans, too, have a profound knowledge of God.”
{{‘White people conned us with sugar’}}
During the era of colonial influence, Rwandans faced challenges in associating with the white settlers, but the missionaries employed cunning strategies to win the allegiance of the locals. According to Ezra Mpyisi, beyond the compulsory attendance of school, the missionaries enticed Rwandans with gifts like salt and sugar.
He recounted, “Instead of imparting Biblical teachings, they offered us their salt, and we were given sugar to consume. They coerced us, offering salt and sugar, and despite the empty sustenance, we developed an affinity for them.”
Pastor Ezra Mpyisi drew attention to a contemporary issue, attributing the rise in teenage pregnancies to parental irresponsibility. He emphasized that merely dressing to cover one’s nakedness is insufficient in teaching a child.
He remarked, “Parents displaying signs of irresponsible behavior, with stained fingers and mouths, cannot effectively guide their children. How can they instill wisdom in their offspring?”
{{‘There’s no issue in betrothing pregnant women’}}
Some churches impose restrictions against betrothing pregnant girls, subjecting them to tests even on the day of the betrothal ceremony. When asked about his perspective on marrying a pregnant girl, Pastor Mpyisi promptly asserted that it presents no issue for him.
He elaborated, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing faithfulness. Finding individuals who embody fidelity can be challenging, and regardless of pregnancy, Pastor Mpyisi expressed his willingness to betroth them, emphasizing equality in all aspects.
He underscored the potential repercussions of refusing betrothal based on pregnancy, highlighting the potential harm to the household. His perspective extends beyond pregnancy, as he believes in evaluating individuals based on their commitment to fidelity, rather than passing judgment on their circumstances. He questioned, “How can a son ascertain if his father committed adultery?”
{{‘The consumption of meat aligns with the act of taking a life’}}
Pastor Ezra Mpyisi highlighted the belief that God initially provided perishable, raw food for humans, emphasizing that the need for food storage, prolonged preparation, and cooking arose as a consequence of sin.
He articulated, “God’s original provision did not include meat consumption. The act of killing is not aligned with God’s nature, and consuming meat necessitates killing. Personally, I partake in meat consumption, recognizing my status as a descendant of Adam, who, through sin, altered the original order of sustenance.”
{{‘Running after men makes people grow old prematurely’ }}
Pastor Mpyisi noted that, aside from harboring hatred, engaging in promiscuous behavior—men pursuing women and vice versa—is another factor that contributes to premature aging.
He remarked, “A man behaving recklessly ages prematurely, akin to a goat. Consuming alcohol and indulging in foods not provided by God also hastens the aging process.”
{{‘Pastors steal’ }}
Over the past four years, the pastor highlighted a disconcerting reality that, despite God’s commandments explicitly prohibiting theft and continuous teachings by pastors against it, instances of stealing persist within certain religious circles.
He observed, “Consider, which religions can you point to where stealing doesn’t occur, even though they preach against it? They claim to fight for righteousness, yet some steal from the tithe, even those who hold the esteemed title of pastors.
The tithes and offerings intended for God end up in the hands of Popes, Priests, and Bishops, with the promise that they will pray for your path to heaven. Yet, no one can intercede for another’s journey to heaven. It is a direct connection with God that enlightens and teaches an individual, and such divine guidance is not a commodity to be bought or sold.”
{{‘Mary is not the mother of Jesus’ }}
In 2019, Pastor Ezra Mpyisi challenged the belief that Jesus was born of Mary, asserting that such claims are erroneous since the origin of God remains unknown.
He expressed, “Mary is the daughter of Adam, a creation of God. How could Adam, who himself was created, give birth to God? Therefore, Jesus is not the Son of God; rather, he is God.”
{{‘I do not believe in religion’}}
In 2019, Pastor Mpyisi asserted his unwavering belief in God over any specific church affiliation. He demonstrated resilience, expressing that he wasn’t daunted by the prospect of being disassociated from the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
He declared, “In the eyes of God, only an individual possesses the authority to restrict themselves, and no one else can do so. If someone were to hinder me from reading the Bible, only then would they succeed in isolating me.”
{{‘The Bible has satanic expressions’ }}
The pastor disclosed his belief in the Bible while also acknowledging the presence of what he perceived as satanic expressions inserted by individuals.
‘Understanding normalcy is difficult when you’re dealing with your own issues’
Pastor Mpyisi highlighted that one of the reasons for the breakdown of relationships is the lack of self-awareness, with people expecting perfection in others while not recognizing their own imperfections.
He explained, “It’s common to hear individuals seeking a partner who has maintained purity, yet they themselves have a history of multiple relationships. Before looking for the ideal partner, first, understand and heal yourself.
It’s essential to recognize that expecting someone else to be faultless when you’ve had your own shortcomings is an unrealistic expectation. The more we acknowledge our own imperfections before God, the better equipped we are to understand and accept the imperfections in others.”
Having initiated its on-the-ground operations in Rwanda 13 years ago, Bboxx currently provides electricity to over 10% of households in the country, diversifying its offerings to include various essential services and products. The company has also expanded its footprint into 11 African markets.
Francis Gatare, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, expressed his approval, stating, “Bboxx’s decision to relocate its headquarters to Kigali is a welcome decision and aligns with our efforts for Rwanda as a magnet for smart, sustainable investments. Our unique ecosystem offers fertile ground for companies like Bboxx to innovate and expand, signaling to the world that Rwanda is open for business and ready for the future.”
{{Positioning at the Core of Africa’s Energy Industry}}
The move to Rwanda places Bboxx at the epicenter of Africa’s rapidly evolving energy and technology sectors, enhancing its access to crucial markets.
Mansoor Hamayun, CEO and co-founder of Bboxx, commented on the strategic relocation, stating, “In our journey to revolutionize access to essential products and services across Africa, it’s only fitting that we position ourselves at the heart of the continent. This move to Kigali not only brings us closer to the communities we serve but also cements our commitment to be an Africa-first, data-driven super platform, transforming lives and unlocking potential at an unprecedented scale.”
This relocation is part of a series of recent developments for Bboxx, including its partnership with EnerTech, expansion into Burkina Faso, and securing a loan to accelerate clean electrification delivery in Togo.
EU Ambassador Belén Calvo Uyarra highlighted the program’s relevance to Rwanda’s post-1994 Genocide against the Tutsi journey. The JAP consists of three main components, with the first focusing on enhancing professionalism and skills among key entities such as MINIJUST, the Judiciary, National Prosecution Authority (NPPA), Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Rwanda National Police (RNP), and the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR).
Uyarra explained that this component aims to expedite justice delivery, reduce case backlogs, modernize the justice system, and improve access to quality justice. Additionally, it seeks to streamline legal aid support for universal and affordable justice, with a special emphasis on inclusivity for vulnerable groups and human rights.
The second set of components addresses reconciliation, rehabilitation, and unity, providing support to the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) and civil society. Technical, vocational, education, and training (TVET) programs will equip inmates and former genocide perpetrators with essential skills to reduce reoffending upon their reintegration into society. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) will engage in socio-psychological healing and reconciliation processes at the community level to enhance resilience and unity across the country.
The third component aims to amplify civil society’s voice and accountability by empowering CSOs to collaborate closely with citizens, effectively addressing accountability issues. The program originated from a financing agreement signed on July 26, 2023, totaling €19.5 million between the Government of Rwanda and the EU.
Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, the Minister of Justice, emphasized the positive impact of the program on the justice sector, acknowledging the EU’s crucial role as a justice sector partner. He highlighted previous EU support achievements, including the implementation of the Alternative Dispute Resolution policy and contributions to the development of criminal justice policies. Ugirashebuja concluded by affirming the program’s significance as a milestone in the justice sector, expressing confidence in its ability to fund existing programs and positively impact citizens.
The annual report, released on January 30, 2024, sheds light on the global landscape of corruption, providing insights into countries’ efforts in combating corrupt practices. It draws data from 180 countries and territories surveyed in 2023, revealing a troubling trend of increasing corruption levels globally, attributed to insufficient anti-corruption measures.
The report underscores that over two-thirds of countries scored below 50%, indicating widespread corruption at various levels of governance. With the international average standing at a mere 43, many nations have stagnated in their anti-corruption endeavors over the past decade.
Moreover, the report highlights the pervasive nature of corruption and abuse of power within judicial systems worldwide, where the marginalized often face injustice while the privileged exert undue influence.
In Rwanda’s case, its progress in anti-corruption efforts is evident, with a rise from 54th place with 51% points in 2022 to 49th place with 53% points in 2023. Within Africa, Rwanda maintains the fourth position, trailing Seychelles with 71%, Cape Verde with 64%, and Botswana with 59%, all of which have also seen improvements in their rankings.
Transparency International emphasizes that even in countries with favorable scores, challenges persist, including cross-border corruption activities and insufficient measures to combat them.
François Valérian, Chair of Transparency International, asserts that combating corruption requires robust justice systems capable of holding wrongdoers accountable and ensuring governmental transparency.
Denmark leads the index for the sixth consecutive year, securing the highest score of 90, followed closely by Finland with 87 and New Zealand with 85.
Notable mentions in the top 10 include Norway, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg.
The United States maintains its position with an unchanged score of 69, securing the 24th spot in the index.
Conversely, Somalia ranks lowest on the list with 11%, trailing behind Venezuela and Syria.
Having received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last year, Neuralink initiated its first human trial to test the implant. Musk also disclosed in a separate X post that the first product from Neuralink will be named Telepathy.
According to reports, Neuralink’s ongoing PRIME Study focuses on evaluating the safety of the wireless brain-computer interface and surgical robot. The trial aims to assess the functionality of the interface, allowing individuals with quadriplegia to control devices through their thoughts.
Despite calls for scrutiny regarding safety protocols, Neuralink has been actively recruiting participants since September for its study trial. The startup has not responded to a Reuters request for additional details.
Notably, Neuralink has faced challenges, including a fine for violating U.S. Department of Transportation rules. Last November, four U.S. lawmakers urged the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate Musk for alleged securities fraud related to the safety of Neuralink’s brain implant.
Neuralink’s technology primarily relies on the “Link” implant, a device the size of five stacked coins placed inside the human brain through invasive surgery. According to Pitchbook, the California-based company had over 400 employees last year and secured at least $363 million in funding.
While Musk garners attention for Neuralink, he is not alone in the brain-machine interface research field. Neuralink’s potential collaboration with Synchron, an implant developer, has been reported, with Synchron’s version not requiring skull incisions for installation. Synchron successfully implanted its first device in a U.S. patient in July 2022.
The business forum, held at the Kigali Convention Centre from January 29 to 31, 2023, serves as a platform for collaboration between UK and Rwandan business leaders, investors, government officials, and financial experts to explore opportunities for business partnerships in Rwanda’s growing economy.
The discussions involved prominent figures such as Rwanda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Johnston Busingye; the CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Francis Gatare; and Prof. Nshuti Manasseh, Senior Advisor in the President’s Office.
This significant event provides Rwanda with the opportunity to showcase available investment opportunities. Participants engage in discussions covering various sectors, including agriculture, mining, infrastructure, industry, circular economy, and investment.
UK High Commissioner to Rwanda, Omar Daair, expressed that the forum paves the way for UK companies to invest in Africa, starting with Rwanda.
he UK has been collaborating with Rwanda in diverse areas, particularly in community development, through initiatives led by the British Department for International Development (DFID) and UK AID. DFID acknowledges Rwanda’s commitment to poverty eradication and overall development goals.
Rwanda, having joined the Commonwealth in 2009, continued to rebuild its economy and international relations, prioritizing initiatives for poverty eradication and comprehensive development, especially in the aftermath of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
