The meeting held on Wednesday, November 15, was attended by The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Chief of Defence Staff, Lt Gen Mubarakh Muganga; Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda; Inspector General of Rwanda National Police (RNP), CG Felix Namuhoranye, Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) Secretary General, Col (Rtd) Jeannot Ruhunga among others.
According to Rwanda’s Presidency, the meeting was also attended by active and retired RDF senior officers, senior officers from RNP, RDF, NISS, RIB and Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) but specific details of the discussions were not disclosed.
Rwandan soldiers continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring the security of Rwandans and actively contribute to various initiatives that enhance their well-being.
In response to the ruling, the Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Yolande Makolo has reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to its international obligations, as a country with international repute for exemplary treatment of refugees.
“This is ultimately a decision for the UK’s judicial system. However, we do take issue with the ruling that Rwanda is not a safe third country for asylum seekers and refugees, in terms of refoulement,” she said.
“Rwanda is committed to its international obligations, and we have been recognized by the UNHCR and other international institutions for our exemplary treatment of refugees,” added Makolo.
According to Makolo, Rwandan has been busy continuing to deliver progress for its citizens throughout the legal process, and working together with international partners to solve some of the biggest challenges that Africa and the wider world faces.
“We take our humanitarian responsibilities seriously, and will continue to live up to them,” concludes Makolo.
The “Migration and Economic Development Partnership” paving the way for transfer of migrants and asylum seekers from the UK to Rwanda was signed in April 2022.
However, delays arose when rights groups contested the plan, leading to a Court of Appeal ruling against deportation.
Despite this setback, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been staunchly defending the initiative, emphasizing Rwanda’s effective refugee management.
The “Migration and Economic Development Partnership,” initiated in April 2022, aimed to transfer individuals unlawfully present in the UK to Rwanda.
Delays in implementing the plan occurred when organizations advocating for migrants’ rights filed a complaint. This led to the Court of Appeal reviewing the case, ultimately ruling against the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda.
Despite the court’s decision, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak consistently defended the deportation plan, emphasizing Rwanda’s successful management of the refugee and migrant crisis, prompting the appeal to the Supreme Court.
However, the highest court’s unanimous rejection of the government’s deportation plans deals a blow to Rishi Sunak’s key immigration policy. The ruling, issued on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, upheld the Court of Appeal’s decision, expressing concerns about the ‘real risk of wrongful determinations and potential ill-treatment upon return to their countries of origin’.
The ruling followed the release of an incendiary letter by the sacked home secretary, Suella Braverman, accusing the prime minister of breaking an agreement to insert clauses into UK law that would have preempted legal challenges under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Human Rights Act.
Braverman warned of the lack of a “credible plan B” and cautioned that losing in the supreme court would result in a wasted year and parliamentary efforts. A meeting of hard-right Conservative MPs was anticipated to support calls to leave the ECHR.
Sir John Hayes, a close ally of Braverman, suggested tabling a narrow piece of legislation to enact the Rwanda plan before Christmas in the event of losing. Later, this could be included in the Tory election manifesto alongside withdrawing from the ECHR.
However, Rwanda maintains that it will remain committed to its international obligations, as a country with international repute in the treatment of refugees.
Kabgayi Hospital, despite its outdated infrastructure, serves a substantial number of patients from all corners of the country. A loan agreement of US$42,051,000 between the Rwandan government and the Korean Exim Bank for the hospital’s renovation and expansion was approved by the lower chamber of parliament’s general assembly on November 13, 2023.
The signed loan agreement on September 13, 2023, outlines a repayment period of 25 years at a minimal 0.01% interest rate, including a 15-year grace period. Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, emphasized that the primary objective of this substantial investment is to enhance the hospital’s facilities, upgrade its service capabilities, and bolster its capacity for training future medical professionals.
The comprehensive project encompasses the renovation of existing structures, the addition of 206 new beds to the current 355, and the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical equipment. Dr. Muvunyi Jean Baptiste, the Director General of Kabgayi, shared with IGIHE that the strategic plan includes replacing old structures with modern ones, set to commence next year.
Dr. Muvunyi highlighted that these new facilities are anticipated not only to enhance the quality of healthcare services but also to contribute to the aesthetic appeal of Muhanga town. Furthermore, the upgraded facilities will facilitate the introduction of advanced medical services such as Minimal Invasive Surgery, endoscopy, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
The current structures at Kabgayi Hospital, dating back to 1937, will be replaced as part of this transformative initiative, marking a significant step towards modernizing healthcare infrastructure in Rwanda.
The occupants of the vehicle included Dr. Frank Habineza, Germaine Mukabalisa representing women in parliament, and Annoncée Manirarora from the RPF Inkotanyi party.
According to Dr. Habineza’s account to IGIHE, the accident unfolded near Merez Petrol Station when a Howo truck in front of them began to change direction.
This prompted the MPs to stop and move off the road. Unfortunately, as they were preparing to navigate the situation, another truck from behind collided with their car, causing it to also impact another vehicle in front.
Despite the severity of the accident, Dr. Habineza reassured IGIHE that all occupants emerged unharmed. Miraculously, they were able to exit the vehicle safely despite the considerable damage sustained during the collision.
Dr. Habineza disclosed that the MPs were taken to King Faisal Hospital following the accident, where they were discharged on the same day during night hours.
“We underwent a medical imaging, and no other complications were detected except for pain. However, I still feel pain in the chest,” he said.
According to statistics from the Rwanda National Police, over 3000 accidents occurred in various parts of Rwanda between January and June 2023.
In July 2023, the Police reported that these accidents resulted in 385 fatalities, 340 serious injuries, and 4132 individuals who survived with minor injuries. Additionally, 1728 infrastructures were destroyed in these incidents.
Bicycles and motorbikes collectively contributed to a significant 53% of these accidents, with bicycles being accountable for 41% of all recorded incidents.
He made the call as he officiated the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Local Government Conference (CLGC) on November 14, 2023, at the Kigali Convention Center, where he emphasized the significance of collaboration.
The CLGC, convening from November 14 to 17, 2023, brought together local leaders from member countries, including Ministers of Local Government, district and city mayors, among others.
Rwanda’s Minister of Local Government, Jean Claude Musabyimana, expressed pride in hosting the conference for the first time.
He highlighted that discussions would encompass common challenges faced by member countries, notably the COVID-19 pandemic, with a primary focus on grassroots leadership and its pivotal role in overcoming emerging challenges.
Musabyimana disclosed that the conference’s agenda extends beyond the pandemic, covering democracy, climate change, finance, and the role of local governments in fast-tracking Sustainable Development Goals.
The overarching theme of the conference, “Building Local Government Resilience to Future Shocks,” aligns with contemporary trends and serves as a reminder for nations to collaborate in overcoming challenges, including those posed by COVID-19, climate change, economic instability, and conflicts.
Premier Ngirente drew attention to alarming statistics, noting that Commonwealth countries collectively lost over US$1000 billion of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2020, attributing a substantial portion of these losses to the effects of climate change. He warned that if no action is taken, climate-related impacts could push 100 million people into extreme poverty by 2030.
The Premier emphasized that the conference presents a crucial opportunity to discuss reinforcing the capacity of local governments to withstand these shocks. Despite Rwanda’s considerable efforts in this regard, Dr. Ngirente acknowledged that there is still a long journey ahead.
He outlined key priorities, such as citizen-centered governance, effective service delivery, inclusive development, the introduction of performance contracts, and transparency and accountability.
Ngirente highlighted specific successes, including building capacity for local leaders, integrating technology in service delivery, and allocating budgets for districts’ development projects.
These endeavors, he emphasized, have contributed to Rwanda’s progress in building a safe, united, and prosperous nation over the past 29 years.
The biennial conference, last held physically in 2017, was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Its resumption in 2023 underscores the importance of fostering international cooperation to address the complex challenges facing nations today.
Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO regional director for Africa, said the continent has 24 million adults living with diabetes, and the number is expected to rise to 55 million by 2045.
According to Moeti, diabetes was responsible for 416,000 deaths in Africa in 2021 and is projected to be one of the leading causes of death in the continent by 2030, unless communities adopt healthier lifestyles such as regular exercise.
“Diabetes affects every part of the body and if not correctly managed, people living with the disease can develop debilitating and life-threatening complications,” Moeti said in a statement released in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital.
She noted that diabetes has exerted economic strain on families, stressing that regular checkups combined with quality treatment and care are key to minimizing fatalities linked to the disease.
Moeti revealed that 54 percent of people living with diabetes in Africa are still undiagnosed and are at risk of succumbing to the disease due to the late onset of life-prolonging medication like insulin.
“This speaks to the need for greater awareness of the disease and the capacity to recognize and diagnose diabetes at a level of care that is easily accessible to all in our communities,” Moeti remarked.
She said that the WHO has developed tools for combating noncommunicable diseases including diabetes for the African region that emphasize timely diagnosis and treatment.
The WHO official urged governments to invest in diabetes prevention tailor-made for local communities including diets rich in fiber and vitamins, awareness against tobacco and alcohol use, physical exercises, and availing life-saving drugs to patients.
In addition, Moeti said governments should train healthcare workers on diabetes management, and enhance the disease surveillance and reporting of new cases.
Akufo-Addo made the appeal at the opening of the Accra Reparations Conference in the Ghanaian capital of Accra, describing these reparations as long overdue.
The Ghanaian president said the reparations must go along with the restitution of African cultural properties stolen from the continent.
“The effects of the slave trade have been devastating to the continent and the African diaspora. The entire period of slavery meant that our progress, economically, culturally, and psychologically, was stifled,” he said.
Akufo-Addo, who raised the issue of reparations earlier in his address at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in September, said, “It is time for Africa’s 20 million of whose sons and daughters had their freedoms curtailed and sold into slavery, also to receive reparations.”
The four-day event, on the theme of “building a united front to advance the cause of justice and the payment of reparations to Africans,” brought together many African heads of state and government, alongside scholars, legal experts, and representatives of civil society organizations.
The Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) said Monday night that the refugees had entered through the border district of Bundibugyo, Western Region of Uganda.
“Authorities in Bundibugyo have guided that they are hosted at Bubukwanga Transit Center in Bundibugyo where government and other partners can offer humanitarian assistance to them,” said Irene Nakasiita, URCS spokesperson, in a statement.
Nakasiita said that new arrivals were duly registered, and the URCS simultaneously provided immediate first aid to the injured and subsequently referred them to a local health facility for further care. “We are supporting the restoration of family links, especially for the unaccompanied minors and separated family members who need reunification.”
Since 2022, a joint military operation involving Ugandan and DRC forces has been pursuing the ADF, an active group in the DRC with ties to the Islamic State, dismantling their camps and significantly reducing their numbers.
Uganda hosts at least 1.5 million refugees mostly from the DRC, South Sudan, Burundi, Eritrea and Somalia among others.
The week-long conference took place in Jinja City, Uganda, and brought together PR professionals, industry experts, and thought leaders to exchange insights, cultivate networks, and explore the evolving trends and optimal strategies within the PR landscape. The EAPRW assumed a paramount role in East Africa, serving as a crucial platform for the advancement of PR excellence, with a thematic focus on “Advancing PR Excellence as a Key Driver for East African Unity.”
A central highlight of the conference was the emphasis on the instrumental role that PR plays in effective storytelling. Attendees collectively explored countless ways PR serves as a powerful catalyst in narrating compelling stories.
Insights shared during the conference underscored the multifaceted nature of storytelling through PR. Attendees articulated strategies to infuse narratives with authenticity, capturing the essence of the message and resonating with target audiences. From leveraging digital PR and social media platforms to crafting impactful press releases, the discourse covered the spectrum of tools available to PR professionals for wide-reaching story dissemination.
Discussions extended beyond the tactical aspects of storytelling, touching upon the ethical dimensions inherent in PR. Speakers emphasized transparency, accuracy, and ethical considerations in shaping narratives that withstand scrutiny and build trust. This holistic approach underscored the significance of PR not only as a strategic communication tool but also as a custodian of credibility and integrity in storytelling.
{{Digital PR in East Africa }}
The conference shed light on the evolving landscape of PR in East Africa and its intertwining with the broader context of regional unity. By recognizing PR as a key driver, discussions underscored its potential to bridge cultural divides, foster understanding, and contribute to a shared narrative transcending borders. The realization that effective PR can play a pivotal role in uniting diverse communities highlighted the transformative power it wields in shaping perceptions and fostering a sense of collective identity.
Furthermore, East Africa PR Week served as a melting pot for innovative ideas, with attendees sharing case studies and success stories showcasing the tangible impact of PR on various initiatives. Whether promoting social causes, launching impactful campaigns, or navigating crisis communications, the showcased examples illustrated how adept PR strategies can elevate narratives and amplify the impact of diverse stories.
The collaborative spirit of the event fostered meaningful connections among professionals, paving the way for future collaborations and knowledge exchange. Networking opportunities provided a platform for participants not only to learn from each other but also to cultivate relationships extending beyond geographical boundaries, reinforcing the notion of a unified East African PR community.
The East Africa PR Week Conference provided a comprehensive exploration of the profound synergy between PR and storytelling. The event served as a testament to the transformative power of PR in shaping narratives, fostering unity, and building a collective identity within the East African context. As the echoes of the conference reverberate, it is evident that the elevation of storytelling through effective PR is not just a professional endeavor but a communal one, contributing to the shared narrative of a united and dynamic East Africa.
Gaining valuable insights into the power of PR in elevating storytelling, the conference emphasized the role of PR in shaping and disseminating compelling narratives. Attendees shared valuable insights and tips on how PR can effectively contribute to storytelling, highlighting the importance of crafting authentic and engaging narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
The event provided a platform for exploring innovative strategies for leveraging PR to amplify stories and create meaningful connections, encompassing digital platforms and traditional media channels. It also shed light on the evolving landscape of PR in the digital age, delving into ways PR professionals navigate new communication channels and engage with audiences dynamically.
Moreover, the EAPRW Conference served as a forum for fostering collaboration and partnerships within the PR community. The exchange of ideas and experiences underscored the collective effort to elevate storytelling through PR, with participants gaining valuable insights into diverse approaches to storytelling.
The conference highlighted the ethical considerations inherent in PR storytelling, emphasizing transparency, authenticity, and integrity. By upholding ethical standards, PR practitioners can build trust and credibility, thereby enhancing the impact of their storytelling efforts.
The EAPRW Conference provided a rich and immersive experience, underscoring the power of PR in elevating storytelling. The event served as a catalyst for advancing PR excellence and fostering unity within the East African region.
As a participant, I left the conference with a deeper appreciation for the transformative role of PR in shaping narratives and driving meaningful connections. I am confident that the insights gained from this conference will continue to inform and inspire my approach to storytelling within the realm of PR.
{{The writer is a digital strategist}}
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