Summer rains are five weeks late due to the ongoing El Nino phenomenon, as dozens of elephants have already died in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest protected area, home to about 45,000 elephants, said the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in a statement.
“At least 100 elephants are already reported dead due to lack of water,” it said.
The organization said the 104 solar-powered boreholes in the park were inadequate to match extreme temperatures that are drying up existing waterholes, forcing wildlife to walk long distances in search of food and water.
Water-dependent mammals like elephants are among the most affected and these and other wildlife species will face a crisis if rains do not come soon, IFAW said.
In 2019, over 200 elephants died in Zimbabwe from severe drought, and according to IFAW, the phenomenon is recurring.
IFAW said the deaths of elephants in Zimbabwe must be seen as a symptom of deep-seated and complex challenges affecting the region’s natural resources conservation, aggravated by climate change.
Notably, this election marks a historic moment as it will be the first time that presidential elections are combined with the election of deputies. The primary objective behind this decision is to streamline the electoral process and reduce associated costs.
According to the Presidential order, Rwandan nationals residing outside the country will cast their votes on Sunday, July 14, 2024. This applies to both the President of the Republic and the 53 Deputies chosen from a final list of candidates proposed by political organizations or independent candidates, aligning with the date of the respective polling locations.
In contrast, the polling date for Deputies elected by specific organs, such as 24 female Deputies chosen by electoral colleges, two Deputies selected by the National Youth Council, and one Deputy elected by the National Council of Persons with Disabilities, is set for Tuesday, July 16, 2024.
Commencing on Saturday, June 22, 2024, the electoral campaign for both presidential and parliamentary candidates will be underway. The conclusion of the campaign period is determined by the election category and location: for candidates for the President of the Republic and Deputies elected from the final list, the campaign ends on Friday, July 12, 2024 (for campaigns outside Rwanda) and Saturday, July 13, 2024 (for campaigns within the country). Candidates vying for Deputy positions through specific organs will conclude their campaigns on Saturday, July 13, 2024.
The previous presidential election occurred on August 3 and 4, 2017, while the most recent deputies’ polls took place on September 2 and 3, 2018. Notably, this upcoming election marks the fourth time Rwanda will hold presidential elections after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
These electric buses, identical in size to the conventional ones used for passenger transport in Kigali (commonly known as Yutong), differ significantly by operating solely on electricity.
Launched on Monday, December 11, 2023, at the Downtown Station, the first two buses, operated by the electric bus-savvy company BasiGo in collaboration with AC Mobility, incorporate Tap & Go technology for electronic bus trip payments.
The charging process for these buses takes approximately three hours to fully charge the battery, enabling them to cover a distance of 300 kilometers when fully charged—almost the entire span from Kayonza to Rusizi, which is 304 kilometers.
A noteworthy example illustrating the capabilities of these buses is that, on a given day, a large bus used in public transport within Kigali can travel up to 250 kilometers. The buses utilized in this initiative are 10.5 meters long and have the capacity to accommodate 70 passengers. Due to their robust battery capacity, specialized ‘180 kW DC’ chargers have been installed at Rwandex in Kicukiro District in collaboration with the Rwanda Energy Group (REG).
Interested parties, whether individuals or companies, have the option to either rent or purchase these buses, with the cost ranging between Rwf200 million and Rwf300 million. In the initial testing phase, three prominent companies—Kigali Bus Service (KBS), Royal Express, and Volcano—have already signed agreements with BasiGo Rwanda.
Operations Manager at BasiGo, Allan Kweli highlighted that during the trial period, these companies will collect the vehicles from BasiGo Rwanda for use. He emphasized the intention to showcase the efficiency and environmental benefits of these buses during the testing phase before expanding operations.
The CEO of KBS Ltd, Ngarambe Charles, expressed satisfaction with the electric buses, emphasizing their environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional diesel-fueled vehicles.
Passengers also shared their positive experiences, praising the reduction in waiting times and the environmentally conscious approach.
The Government of Rwanda has announced the requirement for 100 such vehicles to address public transportation challenges in Kigali. While two buses are currently in operation, two more are expected to arrive within two weeks, with additional buses scheduled for the coming year.
BasiGo Rwanda has already trained 80 drivers from collaborating companies for the trial phase, including technicians to address any mechanical issues promptly.
Doreen Orishaba, the Country Director of BasiGo Rwanda, highlighted the comprehensive preparation, including training for drivers and technicians, and revealed plans to establish additional charging stations at KBS Ltd, Royal Express, and Volcano Express.
Iyabesi Umugwaneza, one of the aspiring nursing students, shares her journey of pursuing a dream that was once hard to find. With the school’s introduction of the ANP, Umugwaneza and her fellow students appreciate the comprehensive approach to education, including essential science courses, which prepares them for future studies at the university level.
Micheline Umuhoza echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the school’s commitment to thorough teaching, research, and technological exposure.
Her ambition to continue studying medicine reflects the broader need for capable medical personnel, and she expresses confidence in the school’s preparation for success.
Evariste Bizimana, the Head of the Science Department at Wisdom School, underscores the school’s focus on practical skills. He emphasizes that students are equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with practical abilities to apply what they learn, fostering creativity and entrepreneurship.
Elie Nduwayesu, the Director of Wisdom School, highlights the institution’s commitment to providing education that empowers graduates to contribute positively to society. With a global shortage of medical workers, Nduwayesu encourages parents to enroll their children in Wisdom School, emphasizing the availability of places and the assurance that students will be supported to succeed.
What sets Wisdom School apart is its holistic educational approach, integrating a robust work ethic, care for personal belongings, healthy eating habits, and access to state-of-the-art laboratories. The school’s commitment to discipline and top-notch education ensures a delinquency-free environment.
Parents are invited to witness firsthand the school’s dedication to excellence and discipline, while Wisdom School warmly welcomes students from diverse backgrounds.
With numerous branches across Rwanda including Kanzenze, Rubengera, Ngororero, Nyamasheke, Runda, Muyumbu, Nyagasambu, Rwamagana, Kayonza, Kabarore, Kiramuruzi, and Nyagatare, in addition to Musanze, Burera, Mukamira, and Rubavu; the school stands as a beacon of quality education, fostering a conducive environment for learning and personal development.
For more information on Wisdom School International, interested individuals can visit wisdomschoolsrwanda.com or contact the school directly at 0788478469, 0782407217, and 0784188101.
The school’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders is evident in its comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to education.
These efforts have led to reduction in lawlessness, including theft, especially in different suburbs of City of Kigali, which was relatively high early this year.
The RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, commended the contribution of the people, who cooperate with the Police and other security agencies, which has led to the arrest of suspected thieves and other criminals.
“Crimes have generally decreased in the past six months, compared to months before. Theft reduced by 50 percent while assault and drug related crimes decreased by 40 percent,” ACP Rutikanga said.
The reduction, he said, resulted from strong collaboration between security organs, local leaders and the people through credible and real time information sharing.
Rwanda National Police put much effort Community policing initiatives like local night patrols–Irondo–Community Policing Committees (CPC), Rwanda Youth Volunteers in Community Policing (RYVCP), Anti-crime clubs, Agents of Change and District Administrative Security Support Organ (DASSO), and the public in general.
ACP Rutikanga said that these efforts have become central to effective policing, containing the evolving policing landscape, which partly define the safety and security the country enjoys today.
Currently, there are over 1.6 million members of Rwanda Youth Volunteers in Community Policing (RYVCP), 690 Anti-crime clubs, about 1000 agents of change, and 74,185 CPCs.
Agents of Change group is composed of rehabilitated delinquents, who graduate from rehabilitation centres.
Through their forum, Agents of Change also locally known as Imboni Z’impinduka, contribute to crime prevention and to advocate for their socio-economic opportunities.
It helps them in coordination, orientation, monitoring, advocacy and support in the community.
They influence behavioral change and to further improve the social wellbeing of the young people graduating from the three national rehabilitation centres of Iwawa, Nyamagabe and Gitagata.
On the other hand, Youth Volunteers in Community Policing, a group formed in 2013, has been credited for their volunteerism work valued in billions of money, including construction and renovation of houses for the disadvantaged families, roads, organic gardens, planting trees and supporting other human security and community development activities.
He advised those involved in theft and other crimes to refrain warning of severe measures against such criminal tendencies.
“Throughout the country, security is guaranteed and Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa and the world.
Where crimes are committed, those involved are swiftly tracked down and brought to justice,” the spokesperson said.
Amb. Rwamucyo expressed deep concern over the MONUSCO report’s silence on human rights violations and the impunity of the Congolese army. He highlighted routine civilian murders and state-enabled persecution against Tutsi communities, referencing the disturbing incident involving Congolese soldier Captain Gisore Rukatura, burnt alive in November. According to Rwamucyo, these heinous crimes are a direct consequence of the prevailing hate speech, discrimination, and genocide ideology against Congolese Tutsi in eastern DRC.
Citing UN Advisor on Genocide Prevention Alice Wairumu Nderitu’s warning against discrimination and hate speech, Rwamucyo called for UN action against the Congolese government. He implored the Security Council to hold the government accountable for encouraging discrimination and disinformation, advocating for a commission of inquiry.
Rwamucyo underscored the alarming trend of violent anti-Rwandan rhetoric by Congolese officials, particularly in the lead-up to the general elections on December 20. Notably, he pointed out threats made by several candidates, including incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi, involving invasion, mass murder, and annexation.
Drawing attention to the October 21 incident where armed individuals, including the FDLR, mobilized on DR Congo’s border with Rwanda, Rwamucyo urged the DRC to address provocations seriously. He emphasized that solutions to DR Congo’s security challenges lie in inclusive dialogue, regional cooperation, cessation of hostilities, and prioritizing civilian well-being.
Rwamucyo expressed concern over DR Congo’s refusal to renew the mandate of the East African Community (EAC) regional force, calling it detrimental to peace efforts in the country’s troubled east. He lamented Kinshasa’s termination of the EAC Regional Force, currently withdrawing from the volatile situation, stating that its premature departure undermines regional peace efforts.
Highlighting the exacerbation of the humanitarian crisis in the region, Rwamucyo condemned DR Congo’s actions, including the violation of ceasefires brokered by regional peace processes. The Ambassador urged the international community to recognize the severity of the situation and stressed Rwanda’s commitment to ongoing regional efforts to stabilize eastern DR Congo.
Amid the growing impact of climate-induced incidents across the African continent, such events have forced some 4.2 million people to become homeless, while killing 53,610 people and injuring 52,205 others, the UNECA said in a statement issued Monday.
The UNECA said findings of its Economic Report on Africa 2023 (ERA-2023), which will be officially launched next week and titled “Building Africa’s Resilience to Global Economic Shocks,” shows that climate shocks generally are highly correlated with the cyclical component of gross domestic product (GDP) growth and not with the long-term trend in Africa, which suggests that part of the volatility observed in growth emanates from climate-induced shocks.
“A temperature increase beyond a threshold of 0.7-degree centigrade results in reduced real GDP growth. At 1.8-degree centigrade change in temperature, which is expected to prevail by 2030 if current trends persist, we could expect a 2-percentage point decline in real GDP growth,” the UNECA said, citing the findings of its Economic Report on Africa.
According to the UNECA, the frequency of natural disasters increases public debt levels directly, in which a unit increase in natural disasters could lead to a 0.25 percentage point increase in the ratio of net public debt to GDP.
“More significantly, climate change in Africa tends to derail poverty reduction and, in some cases, destroy the livelihoods of millions of people that mainly rely on agriculture and small businesses. Droughts, floods, frosts, and other natural events that lead to crop failure affect the welfare of households that live in rural areas and small towns,” it said.
It said a one unit increase in natural disaster frequency would increase the percentage of households living in extreme poverty by 4.4 percentage.
The UNECA said the ERA-2023 carries important lessons regarding how African countries must incorporate climate change in the design and implementation of their long-term growth strategies.
Her Fiancé Mpho Xaba stood by her side during her final moments, as confirmed by a reliable source close to the family, who expressed the family’s intention to issue a statement soon.
{{In memoriam: Zahara’s musical legacy}}
Zahara’s musical odyssey, marked by chart-toppers like ‘Ndize,’ ‘Loliwe,’ and ‘Umfazi,’ unfolded across five studio albums. Her presence resonated beyond borders, with performances in Rwanda, notably gracing the stage at Kigali Jazz Junction in both 2018 and 2019.
Zahara’s remarkable talent even earned her a performance for the late South African President Nelson Mandela.
Her ascent to stardom commenced with the signing of a record deal with TS Records, propelling her debut album ‘Loliwe’ in 2011 to double platinum status. Subsequent releases, including ‘Phendula’ (2013) featuring hits like “Phendula,” “Impilo,” and “Stay,” solidified her as a household name. The third album, ‘Country Girl’ (2015), attained triple platinum certification.
Post her departure from TS Records, Zahara inked a deal with Warner Music, where she unleashed her best-selling album, ‘Mgodi,’ in 2017. In 2021, her fifth album, ‘Nqaba Yam,’ soared to number 1 on the iTunes charts, a testament to her enduring impact.
{{A trailblazer’s accolades}}
Zahara’s illustrious career was adorned with accolades, boasting 17 South African Music Awards, three Metro FM Awards, and a Nigeria Entertainment Award. Her influence extended globally, earning her a place on the BBC’s 100 Women list in 2020. Furthermore, she brought her insightful perspective to the 17th season of Idols South Africa in 2021, serving as a guest judge.
As we reflect on Zahara’s unparalleled contributions to the world of music, her legacy remains etched in the hearts of fans and fellow artists alike. South Africa mourns the loss of a true musical luminary whose melodies will endure through time.
As Rwanda prepares to mark the 30th anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi, collaborative efforts between Rwandans and their global allies are underway to ensure the event’s commemoration around the world.
The launch ceremony in Lausanne was attended by notable figures, including the Ambassador of Rwanda to Switzerland, Marie-Chantal Rwakazina, and the President of Ibuka-Suisse, Muangira César.
Mayor Grégoire Junod expressed pride in inaugurating the commemorative site on the day marking the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the UN’s Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in 1948.
Junod highlighted the importance of remembrance activities among Rwandans in Switzerland, emphasizing the collective responsibility to fight against genocide ideology and promote education and peace talks. He underscored the global impact of genocide, emphasizing that it affects human beings wherever they are in the world.
Amb. Marie-Chantal Rwakazina emphasized the significance of the event in the context of preparations for the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda.
Lausanne follows the city of Geneva in providing space for commemorating the Genocide against the Tutsi. Rwandans living in Switzerland had requested a memorial space two years ago, and the city of Lausanne’s support reflects increasing acceptance and backing from Swiss authorities in addressing the historical impact of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
President Murangire César of Ibuka-Suisse expressed gratitude for Lausanne’s support, highlighting that the city not only provided a space but also extended support and understanding for various activities aimed at combating genocide ideology. He emphasized the importance of continuing to educate citizens about the history and perpetration of the Genocide against the Tutsis.
The ‘Forum de la paix’ will serve as a venue for various activities, including a night of remembrance, discussions on Rwanda’s reconstruction history, and reflections on the unity and reconciliation process.
The event was graced by the presence of the Governor of the Central Bank of Rwanda, John Rwangombwa, alongside heads of various banks in Rwanda and the Rwanda Banks Association (RBA), which founded the RAF center, along with its partners.
The training covered essential aspects of banking, including banking operations, asset management, lending, and more. The course was structured in three stages: the first for those with general banking knowledge, the second for middle-level managers, and the third for senior bank managers.
Governor John Rwangomba commended the Rwanda Bankers’ Association for its ongoing efforts to bridge the skills gap in the finance sector, emphasizing the graduates’ role in effecting positive change and adapting to the evolving world. He highlighted the importance of the knowledge gained in facing challenges and shaping the future of finance.
The Governor also appreciated the inclusion of courses addressing anti-corruption, financial support for terrorist activities, and suggested an expansion of security-related courses, encompassing technology and climate change, for a stable financial system.
Hannington Namara, the Managing Director of Equity Bank in Rwanda and head of the Rwanda Bankers’ Association, emphasized that the graduates, all from financial institutions, are now equipped to contribute to the development and sustainability of their respective companies.
Tony Francis Ntore, the CEO of RBA, encouraged the graduates to uphold integrity in their daily work. Graduates, such as Bakinga Deo from the Bank of Kigali, emphasized the importance of sharing acquired knowledge with colleagues for mutual growth and professional development.
The graduates expressed their gratitude, with Monica Kyamazima from I&M Bank Rwanda Plc highlighting the value of the knowledge gained in developing and transforming banking services.
The commitment to continuous learning was echoed by Célestin Rubirima, who underscored the versatility gained from the course, enabling employees to excel in various roles within the banking sector.
Rwanda Bankers’ Association (RBA) has set a goal to train at least 150 bank employees by 2025, building on the success of previous training cycles.
