According to ACP Rutikanga, two individuals were apprehended in the act of removing items from the cargo van. When confronted by the police officers, an altercation ensued, during which one of the thieves managed to flee the scene, while his accomplice attempted to attack the officers. In response to this aggression, the police officers opened fire, ultimately resulting in the death of the suspected burglar.
The cargo van in question was en route from Kigali to Karongi when the incident occurred. Prior to this incident, the police had been alerted to a string of thefts along this route, particularly between Muhanga-Karongi and Muhanga-Ngororero. Local residents had reported incidents where criminals took advantage of slow-moving vehicles to commit robberies.
This operation sheds light on the existence of an organized network comprising lookouts and thieves working in coordination. Although one of the suspects managed to evade capture, authorities are actively pursuing their investigations, suspecting possible collaboration with additional accomplices who may be apprehended in due course.
Emphasizing the police’s unwavering commitment to curbing criminal aggression, ACP Rutikanga stated, “Anyone caught in the act of stealing and resisting may also lose their life.”
He urged both the public and drivers to collaborate with the authorities by promptly reporting any suspicious activities to prevent further incidents.
The Houthi rebels’ spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, revealed that they had launched high-speed missiles and drone attacks targeting Israeli positions.
He described this as the third attack aimed at supporting the Palestinian cause. Saree also stated that more attacks are planned unless Israel ceases its provocations.
The Houthi rebels are a Shia political and military group engaged in Yemen’s long-running civil war, fighting against a coalition of militias backed by Saudi Arabia. They have been vocal in expressing their support for the Palestinians and have undertaken actions such as strikes and rebellions in Yemen to protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
On the same day, Israel’s military confirmed that it used its air defense systems to intercept a missile fired from the Red Sea region. According to CNN, Israeli warplanes conducted airstrikes in the area. Fortunately, all the attacks were halted before reaching Israeli territory.
This incident highlights the complex dynamics in the Middle East, with various regional actors and conflicts intertwining, and the potential for further escalations that could impact the wider region.
Regarded as one of the greatest African football players in history, and all-time top scorer and former captain of the Ivory Coast national team, Drogba will share his experience of growing up in the West African country, and his continued fight for social progress. After retiring from professional football, this titan of industry continues to inspire and change lives.
WTTC is delighted to announce three Heads of State will also take to the stage at the 23rd Global Summit, and a Vice-President.
Other keynote speakers include Justin Urquhart-Stewart, global economist and renowned business commentator; David P. Pekoske, Administrator of the United States Transport Security Administration; Juliet Slot, Chief Commercial Officer at Arsenal Football Club.
Other notable speakers include Francis Gatare, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, and Yvonne Makolo, CEO of Rwandair and Chair of the Board of Governors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the first woman to take on this role.
The Summit’s theme underscores the sector’s significance beyond revenue: its impact on the planet and global communities. Business leaders from across the globe will collaborate on future-proofing the sector, ensuring resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Speakers from WTTC include Arnold Donald, WTTC Chair; Greg O’Hara, Founder and Managing Partner Certares; Gloria Fluxa, Vice Chairman and Chief Sustainability Officer, Iberostar; Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Chairman of Heritage Group and co-chair of Abercrombie and Kent, Julie Shainock (Confirmed), Global Managing Director for Travel, Transport Logistics and Hospitality, Microsoft and Matthew Upchurch, President & CEO of Virtuoso.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, expressed: “We are delighted to announce that such heavyweight and influential figures will be joining us in Kigali next week.
“This is our first Summit on the African continent. Rwanda’s dedication to the Travel & Tourism sector’s resurgence after challenging times is commendable. The nation’s rapid growth trajectory positions it as an upcoming tourism hotspot.”
Under the theme “Building Bridges to a Sustainable Future” the event will focus on the value of the sector, not only to the global economy, but to the planet and communities around the world.
During the Global Summit, industry leaders and international government officials from around the world will gather in Rwanda’s capital to continue aligning efforts to support the sector’s recovery and address the challenges the future poses to ensure a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Travel & Tourism sector.
Government dignitaries, including South Africa’s Tourism Minister, Patricia de Lille; Tanzania’s Minister of Natural Resources & Tourism, Angellah Jasmine Mbelwa Kairuki; and Ukraine’s Tourism Development Chairperson, Hon. Mariana Oleskiv, will also grace the occasion.
This day serves to educate people about the significance of prudent financial planning through various educational campaigns and activities.
{{Historical roots}}
World Savings Day’s origins can be traced back to the First International Savings Bank Congress held in Milan, Italy, from October 24 to October 30, 1924. It was officially established as an observance on October 31, 1924, and continues to be celebrated globally on the same date. The primary goal of this day is to enlighten people about different saving techniques and encourage them to embrace financial responsibility.
{{The significance of saving}}
Over time, World Savings Day has gained relevance and popularity, reflecting the growing importance of saving for the future. There is also a strong emphasis on instilling a savings culture, especially among young individuals, starting from a young age.
{{Rwanda’s commitment to savings}}
As Rwanda observes World Savings Day on October 31, it is noteworthy to mention the commitment of the Rwandan government. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) has set an ambitious target of saving 23 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the year 2023-2024.
The national savings rate is a vital indicator of a country’s financial well-being, reflecting how much money people, businesses, and the government save instead of spending. A high savings rate indicates financial stability and the ability to invest in economic growth.
In 2022, Rwandans managed to save 14.4 percent of their GDP, falling short of the 18 percent target. This shortfall can be attributed to factors such as the lack of a saving culture among many Rwandans, relatively low incomes, high living costs, and the impact of inflation on people’s ability to save.
MINECOFIN has outlined key policy actions to address these challenges. They aim to enhance the capacity of investment clinics to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in accessing alternative sources of financing.
Moreover, several awareness campaigns have been conducted by institutions like the Central Bank, Rwanda Social Security Board, insurance companies, and NGOs to promote a culture of saving among Rwandans.
Additionally, initiatives such as the issuance of treasury bills and bonds through the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE) and the automation of Umurenge SACCO are in place to facilitate easier access to financial services for rural populations.
To sum up, World Savings Day stands as a global reminder of the importance of financial responsibility and prudent planning. It underscores the significance of saving for future financial security and stability, encouraging individuals and nations to embrace the practice of saving as an essential part of economic well-being.
Rwanda’s commitment to this cause reflects the global aspiration to create a sound financial future for all.
The mission team and government officials also reached understandings on economic policies that will be supported under a new 14-month Stand-by Credit Facility (SCF) with total access of about US$ 262 million to help mitigate the balance of payment pressures arising from climate-related shocks.
In a statement released today, the IMF mission team noted that Rwanda coped with overlapping recent shocks well, but external and domestic imbalances have intensified. Economic growth remained robust at 6.3 percent in the second quarter of 2023, notwithstanding repeated droughts and the severe floods in May 2023.
Speaking at the conclusion of the Mission, Mr. Ruben Atoyan, the IMF Mission lead said: “Despite the challenging environment, macroeconomic policy performance through end-June 2023 remained broadly in line with program objectives under the PCI. Most quantitative targets were met, and reforms to boost domestic revenue mobilization, advance expenditure rationalization, enhance fiscal transparency, and strengthen foreign exchange market functioning are progressing well.”
The mission pointed out that going forward, increasing imbalances require further recalibration of policies to safeguard macroeconomic and external sustainability. Continued fiscal consolidation, proactive and data-driven monetary policy, and further exchange rate adjustment are necessary to rebuild buffers, curb inflation, and improve debt sustainability.
It urged implementation tax reforms to broaden the domestic tax base and improve tax compliance are critical for achieving Rwanda’s revenue objectives. The mission further called for enhanced efficiency of public investments, better targeting of subsidies and transfers, and digital delivery of public services.
The team commended strong progress on the climate agenda under the RSF. It noted that reforms under the RSF will improve transparency and efficiency of allocation of climate-related public spending and create a conducive environment for attracting climate finance.
To further demonstrate the unwavering commitment to the RSF-supported climate agenda and to fully capitalize on the catalytic effect of the RSF, Rwanda is accelerating the implementation of the originally agreed reform measures to enhance the reform agenda by introducing new measures, including the implementation of an internationally recognized green taxonomy.
This agreement, which is subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board in December 2023, will allow Rwanda to access about US$ 48.5 million under the RSF and US$ 87.5 million under the SCF.
The danger lies in the fact that it takes just one vulnerability, one crack in the fortress of your network, to allow a swarm of digital malevolence to enter – whether it’s the cunning spear-phishing witches or the voracious ransom wolves, the threats are numerous.
Since 2004, both the President of the United States and the U.S. Congress have united in declaring the month of October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This designation signifies a dedicated month when both public and private sectors come together to raise awareness about the paramount importance of cybersecurity.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of this significant initiative, which has steadily evolved into a collaborative effort between the government and the industry.
The overarching goals of Cybersecurity Awareness Month are to enhance the public’s comprehension of cybersecurity concerns, inspire action by individuals and organizations to reduce online risks, and stimulate discussions about cyber threats on both national and global scales.
In this digital age, each of us plays a critical role in safeguarding our digital world. It is our responsibility to come together and build a safer, more trusted cyber environment. Let’s examine the four fundamental steps that can empower us to stay safe online, whether we are at home, work, or school, and then share these insights with our communities to collectively bolster online security.
{{Utilize strong passwords}}
The foundation of online security is a strong password. Strong passwords are lengthy, random, unique, and include a mix of character types, such as uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. To manage the multitude of passwords for various accounts, password managers are invaluable tools that can help generate and securely store these strong passwords.
{{Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)}}
Passwords alone are no longer sufficient to protect your online accounts. MFA, or Multi-Factor Authentication, requires users to go through a multi-step login process that demands more than just a password. This additional layer of protection might involve providing a code sent to your email, answering a secret question, or scanning a fingerprint. Enabling MFA significantly reduces the likelihood of your accounts being compromised. It is strongly recommended to activate MFA for all online accounts that offer this feature, particularly for email, social media, and financial accounts.
{{Identify and report phishing attempts}}
Stay vigilant when it comes to unsolicited messages that request personal information. Refrain from sharing sensitive data or login credentials with unknown sources. If you encounter a suspicious message, promptly report it and delete it from your inbox.
{{Keep your software updated}}
Regularly updating your software is the best defense against cyber threats. Software updates often include crucial security patches that protect your devices from vulnerabilities. If your devices do not offer automatic updates, make it a habit to manually check for updates to ensure you have the latest security enhancements.
As we conclude another Cybersecurity Awareness Month, let us remember that our collective actions, as individuals and as a community, can significantly enhance our online security.
By following these simple yet effective guidelines, we can collectively build a more secure digital realm and mitigate the threats that constantly loom on the digital horizon. Cybersecurity isn’t just the responsibility of experts; it’s a shared commitment to protect our digital world from those who wish to exploit its vulnerabilities.
Shenzhou-16’s return capsule, carrying astronauts Jing Haipeng, Zhu Yangzhu and Gui Haichao, touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region at 8:11 a.m. (Beijing Time), and the crew had all left the return capsule by 9:10 a.m., according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
The Shenzhou-16 astronauts are in good health and the Shenzhou-16 manned mission proved a success, while also marking that all three kinds of astronauts currently available in China, namely spacecraft pilot, spaceflight engineer and payload expert, had completed their flight assessments and practical tests, the CMSA said.
This mission has laid a good foundation for the subsequent development and construction of the crewed spaceflight program and large-scale space science experiments, the CMSA added.
“I am very excited at this moment as we have finally come back home and returned to our motherland,” said Jing, the mission commander and the first Chinese astronaut to complete four space missions, which amounted to over 200 days.
“During our mission, the crew lived a happy life and worked efficiently. All operations were carried out without any mistakes,” said Jing while sitting on a chair in front of the capsule.
Zhu, the country’s first spaceflight engineer in space, said they coordinated well in successfully completing various tasks and witnessed the glorious space station Tiangong, the country’s national space laboratory, during the five-month mission. “China’s space station is always worth looking forward to,” Zhu added.
“I will stick to my original aspiration and mission as an astronaut and a teacher with practical actions, and look forward to traveling to the country’s space station again to explore more scientific mysteries,” said Gui, China’s first civilian astronaut and first payload expert in space.
The return capsule separated from Shenzhou-16’s orbiting capsule at 7:21 a.m. The brake engine then ignited and the return capsule separated from the propulsion capsule.
The ground search team arrived at the landing site soon after the return capsule landed.
China launched the manned spaceship Shenzhou-16 on May 30, 2023. It was the first crewed mission of the application and development stage of China’s space station.
Its crew, which remained in orbit for 154 days, carried out a total of 70 space experiments, performed a space walk, delivered a lecture from the space station, and on several occasions assisted with the movement of cargo.
Talks about new areas of cooperation began during a two-day visit to Rwanda by Zhuang Rongwen, the Chinese Minister responsible for Cybersecurity.
As he arrived in Rwanda on October 30th, Zhuang engaged in discussions with Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente. The meeting was also attended by Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Ingabire Musoni Paula, and David Kanamugire, the Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda’s National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA).
The discussions between Rwandan officials and Minister Zhuang Rongwen revolved around deepening cooperation in the technology sector between the two nations.
China is already actively collaborating with the National Cyber Security Authority, particularly in providing training to Rwandans.
Minister Ingabire informed the press that the talks with China aimed to explore how both countries can further collaborate in various technological sectors, including the implementation of 5G networks. She emphasized, “We discussed in detail how to strengthen this relationship, not only in terms of training but also in research and development, especially regarding 5G.”
The Minister also highlighted the necessity for Rwanda to have a 5G connection, underscoring the opportunities it presents, particularly in the medical sector. 5G technology is considered a significant advancement, offering connection speeds up to a hundred times faster than 4G.
She expressed that medical services are one of the areas where Rwanda sees outstanding potential for the adoption of 5G.
Following these initial discussions, the two nations agreed to establish working groups to oversee the implementation of agreements, with the prospect of signing partnerships in various sectors.
It’s worth noting that these discussions come shortly after Rwanda and SoftBank Corp announced that on September 24, 2023, they successfully tested SoftBank’s proprietary 5G communications payload in the stratosphere, installed on a solar-powered High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) prototype in Rwandan airspace.
The demonstration, conducted for HAPS research purposes in Rwandan airspace by SoftBank and the Government of Rwanda, marked the world’s first publicly announced delivery of 5G connectivity from a HAPS UAV in the stratosphere.
The successful 5G connectivity demonstration followed a stratospheric flight test conducted in Rwanda in June 2023, during which the HAPS UAV prototype carried a mockup of the payload with similar weight and dimensions.
SoftBank’s stratosphere-ready communications payload continuously delivered 5G connectivity for approximately 73 minutes in the stratosphere at a maximum altitude of 16.9km and performed as expected in demanding atmospheric conditions.
It is also his first visit to Africa since he ascended the throne following the death of her mother Queen Elizaveth II last year.
King Charles III and Princess Camilla arrived in Kenya on the night of October 30, 2023. On the following Tuesday, October 31, 2023, they were formally welcomed by the President of Kenya, William Ruto, who emphasized the significance of their visit for the bilateral relations between the two nations.
During their four-day stay in Nairobi, King Charles III is scheduled to engage with Kenyan entrepreneurs and youth and participate in a dinner hosted by President Ruto. Additionally, the royal couple is planning to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Uhuru Gardens, a pivotal site where Kenya declared its independence in 1963.
The King and Queen are also expected to make a visit to the port of Mombasa, where they will meet with religious leaders and church representatives for discussions. The United Kingdom has announced that this visit, following King Charles III’s recent trips to France and Germany, will play a role in fortifying the diplomatic ties between the UK and Kenya.
It is worth noting that this visit holds historical significance as Kenya prepares to commemorate its 60th Independence Day. This historical backdrop includes the period of 1952-1960, marked by the Mau Mau wars, a struggle by the people to liberate themselves from colonial rule, which tragically claimed the lives of over 10,000 individuals, primarily from the Kikuyu tribe. In 2013, an agreement was reached for the repatriation of 5,000 affected families from the Mau Mau war, but this was never implemented.
King Charles’s visit is particularly momentous as it marks 40 years since Queen Elizabeth II of England last visited Kenya. In light of these historical events, the Kenyan Human Rights Commission has called for King Charles III to issue an apology on behalf of his country for the past atrocities committed during the colonial era.
The UNECA said in a statement that with the global economy still grappling with the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on food and energy prices, achieving food security and energy transition is of paramount importance for African countries, particularly the North and West African regions.
According to the UNECA, the combined effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict are increasing borrowing costs and debt service in Africa, which is further exacerbated by the disproportionate impact of climate change which costs African countries 2 to 9 percent of state budgets.
It said amid the cascading crises, the food and energy security in North and West Africa experienced major setbacks. Figures from the UNECA show that between 2019 and 2022, almost 25 million additional people suffered from undernourishment in both regions combined.
The UNECA made the call ahead of its upcoming meeting of the joint Intergovernmental Committee of Senior Officials and Experts (ICSOE) for North and West Africa, slated to be held on Nov. 1-3 in the Ghanian capital of Accra. The joint meeting is expected to bring together representatives of 22 North and West African countries, along with representatives from regional economic communities from the two regions.
This year’s edition of the ICSOE, in partnership with the government of Ghana, will be held under the theme “Investing in the Energy Transition, Food Security, and Regional Value Chains for Sustainable Development in North and West Africa,” the UNECA said.
Ngone Diop, director of the UNECA office for West Africa, said achieving food security and energy transition requires concerted ambition to scale up high-impact investments as well as forging alliances with a wide range of regional, national, and global actors.
“Above all, it calls for action — to act now to deliver the SDGs promise for equitable, inclusive sustainable development for all, (and) leaving no one behind,” the statement quoted Diop as saying.
Zuzana Schwidrowski, director of the UNECA office for North Africa, said the upcoming meeting is expected to propose recommendations that will facilitate just and sustainable food and energy transitions.
