The presiding judge made the decision to adjourn the trial to 10th October, to allow medical experts to provide additional information regarding Basobose’s health condition. The purpose is to determine whether he is fit to stand trial.
The trial began on October 9, with Basabose absent due to health issues. Basabose’s health concerns were noted in August 2022, with a recommendation to place him in a medical facility due to mental disorders.
Despite these issues, the court decided on June 21, 2023, that the trial would proceed.
Both suspects face charges related to genocide and war crimes, with Twahirwa also accused of rape. The trial is scheduled to continue until December 8.
The Africa Energy Expo, set to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from February 20 to 22, 2024, will be the first of its kind. It is designed to facilitate critical discussions, foster collaboration, and drive progress in achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) while advancing Africa’s Power Vision goals. The event aligns with the goals established during COP 27 and sets the stage for the relationships and investments critical to COP 28.
Organized by The Informa Markets, a global exhibition and conference organizer, the event is endorsed by the Rwanda Ministry of Infrastructure and supported by the Rwanda Convention Bureau. The Africa Energy Expo and the Africa Energy Leadership Summit are pivotal gatherings of African decision-makers addressing the continent’s energy infrastructure gap.
Commenting on the development, Candy Basomingera, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) expressed delight for selecting Rwanda to host the Africa Energy Expo in February 2024 and extended warm welcome to participants.
“This event is not just about energy; it’s about powering Africa’s future. Our country is known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, making it the ideal destination to advance access to modern, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions in Africa.
To the guests and delegates who will be attending the Africa Energy Expo 2024, we look forward to welcoming you to Kigali and ensuring that you have a memorable experience,” Candy Basomingera, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Convention Bureau.
Gen. Caesar, the Chief Technical Advisor in charge of Energy at Rwanda’s Ministry of Infrastructure, acknowledged the energy challenges facing Africa and expressed optimism about leveraging the platform to find concrete solutions.
“As Rwanda proudly hosts the inaugural Africa Energy Expo, we are fully aware of the persistent energy challenges across our continent, with 43% of the African population lacking electricity access and 970 million people still in need of clean cooking solutions.
Rwanda has made remarkable progress in our pursuit of universal electricity access, achieving an access rate of 70%, with 20% of this success attributed to off-grid solutions such as solar home systems and mini-grids. These initiatives are not only extending access but also fostering the growth of renewable energy sources. Through the Africa Energy Expo, we are transforming these challenges into concrete solutions,” he said.
The event boasts a diverse and influential lineup of speakers, each representing a distinct facet of Africa’s dynamic energy ecosystem.
According to Azzan Mohamed, Informa Markets Group Director- Energy Portfolio, EMEA, Africa Energy Expo is primed to foster essential relationships and catalyse strategic investments within the energy sector.
“It aims to connect regulators, utilities, and governments with policymakers while also establishing an enabling framework for resource sharing between African nations,” he noted.
{{Pan-Africa representation of energy industry players}}
The Africa Energy Expo is a truly pan-African event at which the entire value chain of stakeholders across Africa’s energy sector will be represented. Leading exhibitors from across Africa and beyond will showcase the latest products and solutions, focusing on five vital sectors: Renewable and Clean Energy, Conventional Power Generation, Smart Solutions, Transmission and Distribution, and Backup Generators and Critical Power solutions.
Taking place alongside the Africa Energy Expo is the Africa Energy Leadership Summit. Themed ‘Investments, integration, infrastructure, and governance for the energy transition,’ the Summit aims to forge partnerships that will accelerate targeted interventions and focus on advancing a just, fair, and sustainable energy transition, embodying Africa’s commitment to bridging its energy infrastructure divide.
In addition, the Africa Energy Expo features exhibitors’ workshops and an Entrepreneurs Forum. This forum offers business skills training for new market entrants, youth, entrepreneurs, and industry mentors, providing an opportunity for project owners and stakeholders to network, mobilize resources, and address crucial issues around policy and projects in an enabling environment.
In addition, interactive deep dive sessions on hot-button topics will enable peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, allowing stakeholders across the value chain to define the solutions that will drive the sector forward.
{{Collaborating for the benefit of the African energy sector}}
“Informa Markets’ hosted buyer programme and Investor Club are key features of our energy events. Our dedicated team facilitates conversations, business deals, and MOUs worth billions of US dollars between energy stakeholders in Africa on a daily basis, and we look forward to doing so at the Africa Energy Expo as well,” says Mohamed.
Africa Energy Expo springs from the success of a 48-year legacy in building events, connecting the right buyers, facilitating dialogue, and supporting economic growth across the Middle East and Africa.
“Our leading energy events boast a 95%+ exhibitor satisfaction rating – in revenue terms, this translates into USD1.86 billion in total business per flagship edition, delivering USD1.3 million in average sales per exhibitor in the Middle East region, and USD900 million by exhibitors across Africa.
With a proven record across events like Middle East Energy Dubai, Nigeria Energy, and Egypt Energy, we’re bringing this success to Rwanda to help move the continent towards its energy goals,” Mohammed explained.
{{In Africa, for Africa}}
Rwanda, renowned for its sustainable development initiatives, impressive pre-pandemic GDP growth, and resilient recovery from global challenges, is the perfect backdrop for the Africa Energy Expo. Positioned at the heart of Africa, its central location and ease of access are conducive to a pan-African energy event.
Moreover, Rwanda’s commitment to sustainability, outlined in the country’s Vision 2050, aligns with Africa Energy Expo’s goals of promoting a sustainable energy future.
Africa Energy Expo 2024 promises to be a landmark event that unites stakeholders, promotes sustainable energy solutions, and propels Africa toward a brighter energy future.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a state of mental wellbeing that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn and work well, and contribute to their community.
It encompasses our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and influences how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices in our lives.
{{What causes Mental Health Challenges}}
According to experts, Genetics and brain chemistry can play a significant role in mental health. Certain genes may increase the risk of developing mental health conditions, while imbalances in brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) can also contribute to disorders like depression or anxiety.
Additionally, environmental Factors like in particular life experiences, such as trauma, abuse, or significant stress, can trigger or exacerbate mental health issues.
Personality traits, coping mechanisms, and thought patterns are also said to influence an individual’s susceptibility to mental health challenges. For example, perfectionism or a tendency to ruminate on negative thoughts can contribute to conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or depression.
{{Common Symptoms of Mental Health Conditions}}
Psychologists name: persistent sadness or mood swings, changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or oversleeping), increased irritability or anger, withdrawal from social activities, difficulty concentrating or making decisions among the most common symptoms of mental health disorders.
They thus recommend whoever experiences any of the symptoms to seek professional help from therapists, counsellors, or psychiatrists.
Practising self-care is relatively essential for maintaining good mental health. This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques like mindfulness or meditation.
Furthermore, maintaining a strong support network of friends and family can provide emotional assistance during difficult times. Sharing feelings and concerns with loved ones can alleviate the burden of mental health challenges.
Authorities and responsible bodies are also urged to increase awareness about mental health and challenge the stigma surrounding it so as to encourage individuals to seek help when needed and promote a more supportive and understanding society.
With bold ambitions to improve citizens’ wellbeing, the Government of Rwanda has not been left behind this cause.
As part of activities to mark this year’s Mental Health Day, Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) in partnership with Solid Minds Rwanda, youth and student led organisations have launched the ‘Youth-Friendly National Mental Health Campaign’ to promote the mental well being of students and young people in Rwanda.
The event held at Olympic Hotel in Kigali Rwanda under the theme “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right” attracted poets like Junior Rumaga, Rusine Patrick-comedian, different doctors and therapists and is promising to add up to the country’s efforts towards eliminating mental health stigma and other related conditions.
Gen. Landry is in Rwanda since Sunday for a week-long visit.
Discussions between IGP Namuhoranye and Gen. Landry focused on strengthening the existing cooperation in various law enforcement disciplines.
Gen. Landry thanked the Government of Rwanda for the continued support in building the capacity of law enforcement and security agencies in CAR.
“As a country coming out of conflicts, we are happy that Rwanda is facilitating us to build the capacity of our security institutions, including Gendarmerie and the Police, to be able to handle the emerging security threats,” Gen. Landry said.
Rwanda National Police and CAR Police formalized bilateral relations with a memorandum of understanding signed in February, last year, to exchange training and other best programmes, and to enhance professional competence.
The cooperation agreement also provides an arrangement for the two law enforcement institutions to jointly fight transnational organized crime and terrorism, human and drug trafficking, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, information sharing, joint operations, among others.
Rwanda maintains over 700 Police peacekeepers under the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in CAR (MINUSCA), including four contingents, and 70 Police Advisors.
The MINUSCA Police component is also headed by a Rwandan, Commissioner of Police CP Christophe Bizimungu.
Law enforcement officers from CAR have also attended various professional and academic training programmes in Rwanda, including the Police Senior Command and Staff Course (PSCSC) offered at the National Police College (NPC) in Musanze District.
The details emerged on Sunday during a talk show aired on RBA, where RNP spokesperson, ACP Boniface Rutikanga revealed that 18 agro-suppliers have been arrested for diverting these subsidized inputs.
He explained that some agro-inputs are even smuggled into neighboring countries using fraudulent techniques, such as soliciting fertilizers for uncultivated land.
Gicumbi and Kirehe are among districts where such incidents were reported.
Thierry Murangira, the spokesperson of Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), indicated that these frauds often involved the falsification of documents through the “Smart Nkunganire” system, a government subsidy program for agricultural inputs introduced in 2017.
“Between July 2022 and June 2023, 33 cases were recorded, leading to the arrest of 61 individuals involved in the embezzlement of 57 tons of fertilizers,” he added.
Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, warned over 3,000 agro-suppliers in the country against all forms of fraud.
Emphasizing the importance of subsidies, he recalled that for the 2023 A agricultural season, the government allocated Rwf36 billion, including 5.16 billion for seeds and 30.84 billion for fertilizers, to ensure that the money benefits only genuine farmers.
For years, residents in Southern Province have been voicing their concerns about the limited access to clean water and electricity, which has left many feeling isolated.
In light of these concerns, a recent meeting was convened, bringing together officials from the Rwanda Energy Group (REG), WASAC, and representatives from the Southern Province.
The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the progress and challenges associated with the implementation of the Nyaruguru water treatment plant project.
Dr. Omar Munyaneza, the Chief Executive Officer of WASAC, revealed that the Nyaruguru water treatment plant project would receive partial funding from the African Development Bank, guaranteeing 100% clean water access for the affected districts.
Regarding the provision of electricity, Zingiro Armand, CEO of REG, assured that significant efforts were underway to improve access. The goal is to achieve an 80% electricity access rate next year, up from the current 73.3%. He also emphasized ongoing projects in the Northern Province aimed at electrifying all households and underscored the significance of the Rukarara hydro-power plant in Nyamagabe for the Southern Province.
It’s important to note that out of the 353.40 megawatts of electricity produced in Rwanda, only 208 are currently being effectively utilized.
Alice Kayitesi, the Governor of the Southern Province, acknowledged the progress made but emphasized the remaining work that needs to be accomplished. However, she remained optimistic and highlighted forthcoming projects that are expected to further enhance the situation. Currently, access rates in her province stand at 78.4% for clean water and 70.9% for electricity.
As outlined in the the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) launched in 2017, Rwanda is committed to achieving universal access to these two essential resources by 2024.
Nzamutuma made this momentous announcement during a recent event that aimed to highlight the accomplishments of Rwandans.
Coincidentally, the event coincided with a finance-focused conference organized by CTC. The consulting firm has forged a formidable partnership with the European Business University of Luxembourg, collaborating on diverse initiatives and offering comprehensive training programs encompassing business, economics, and finance to the African diaspora residing in Europe.
This training equips individuals with a profound understanding of banking operations, enabling them to combat issues like money laundering and terrorism financing. At the event, CTC welcomed the esteemed Professor Alain Ruttiens, a renowned economic expert from France, to shed light on the latest developments in the realms of finance and banking.
Regarding the invitation to Prof. Ruttiens, Nzamutuma revealed, “We invited Prof. Alain Ruttiens as part of our preparations to establish the first African Bank in Luxembourg, which will extend its presence to Rwanda and Belgium. We are actively seeking endorsements for this endeavor.” He emphasized the importance of demonstrating the significant impact Africans can have in the fields of economy, finance, and banking.
Nzamutuma pledged to continue their initiative of offering training to aspiring finance and banking professionals, recognizing the high demand for these skills. He explained, “At CTC, we provide virtual investment training as part of our programs, enabling students from around the world to access our courses. Upon course completion, we organize conferences for direct interactions with industry experts.”
Nzamutuma highlighted the need for such initiatives by pointing out that Africans often face isolation in the finance and banking sectors. He stated, “Africans are frequently marginalized in the world of finance management, but we offer a gateway for individuals to enter the banking industry. This is why we organize conferences, which are also covered by the media, to bring our activities to public attention.”
In a recent achievement, CTC proudly graduated 57 students, with a majority hailing from the African diaspora in Europe. Impressively, 12 of them were swiftly employed by leading financial institutions in Europe, underscoring the relevance and effectiveness of CTC’s courses in meeting labor market demands.
The Saturday conference drew attendees from various parts of the world, including Canada, Austria, and Cameroon, among others. Prof. Alain Ruttiens expressed his satisfaction with the opportunity to contribute to the finance sector, while Leila Mutesi lauded CTC’s efforts in unleashing African potential. She stated, “It is time for Africans to unite and undertake projects of the caliber of the African bank. We eagerly await the establishment of the bank as an addition to the homegrown solutions introduced by CTC.”
CTC’s overarching mission is to equip individuals with essential financial skills sought after by employers, including leading insurance companies. Moreover, the firm extends its expertise to financial institutions, guiding them in aligning with international standards. CTC also provides invaluable support to investors, aiding them in making well-informed investment decisions and ensuring the seamless operation of their enterprises.
Nzamutuma’s pioneering vision stands as a testament to the transformative potential of Africans in the world of finance.
UoK has grown its programmes portfolio to 23 market-driven undergraduate and graduate academic programmes in the fields of Business Management, Accounting, Finance, Economics, Law, Procurement & Supply Chain Management, Computing, Education that have attracted students from 32 countries including Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, USA, Liberia, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Haiti among others and provided quality labour for different private and public-sector employers locally and internationally.
The University has highly-qualified academic staff with international exposure. 38% of UoK’s academic staff are PhD-holders, Associate Professors and Full Professors who facilitate the university’s consistent maintenance of high academic standards and quality service-delivery to all stakeholders.
Since August 2016, UoK has consistently increased the number of students registering to study professional courses at the university. This growth is as a result of the high standards that the University implements in providing tuition to students. The university has adequate, competent and high-quality teaching staff with international experience in delivering professional courses.
The University also provides study notes and past examination question banks to all students registered for professional courses. Additionally, UoK offers 100% discount on tuition fees to all internal undergraduate and graduate students pursuing professional programmes.
The University is also an accredited tuition provider of professional programmes such as CPA (R), CPA (K), CAT, ICDL, etc. As a result of the standards implemented, UoK has consistently delivered pass rates which are above the national pass rates in exams over the last 10 examination sittings. This high pass rates are a major contributor to the increase in the enrollment of students pursuing professional programmes.
As at August 2023, UoK had produced 83 CPA finalists who have completed CPA (R) qualification out of 390 students nationwide, thereby contributing to 21.3% of the CPA (R) qualified professionals nationally. The University in partnership with the Government of Rwanda has also been offering Certified Public Accounting (CPA) and Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) training to all Government Accountants and Internal Auditors.
From August 2016 to date, the programme has attracted over 3,000 Government Staff. Apart from the certification, it is proven that all the staff who have gone through the tuition process have had a significant increase in productivity and the country has benefited tremendously.
UoK is committed to enhancing training, professionalism and capacity-building across all Public Financial Management (PFM) disciplines identified by the Government of Rwanda as one of the main factors which may negatively impact the sustainability of the NST1 if the overall level of capacity in PFM skills and knowledge across government is not adequately addressed. It has been indicated that the number and qualifications of existing accountants and internal auditors is not enough to cope with the current and future requirements of the PFM system, which is critical in the case of central government entities (ministries, departments and agencies).
Currently the public service (Government) is in need of 7,800 professionally-qualified accountants, yet as at August 2023, only a total of 390 persons had completed training as professionally-qualified accountants; leaving a huge deficit of 7,450 which needs to be filled as soon as possible.
Consequently, the University is fostering valuable partnerships with relevant stakeholders to continuously ensure that this huge deficit is filled and therefore encourage all and sundry to register for professional education at University of Kigali. Registration for January 2024 admissions is open for professional programmes, while the September 2023 Intake for undergraduate and graduate admissions is still open.
Apply online via: mis.uok.ac.rw/apply or Call: +250 781 833 731 for professional programme admissions and +250 788 303 386/ +250 789 009 221 for undergraduate and graduate programme admissions.
Mohammed Ali Guyo, the IGAD special envoy for the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Somalia, said that the situation had been exacerbated by the recent drought, which displaced thousands.
“We have seen a rise in terrorism, piracy, armed robbery and sea kidnappings in the region, and the lack of security cooperation among member States has worsened the situation,” Guyo told journalists in the Kenyan lakeside town of Naivasha.
He made these remarks after a task force appointed by IGAD to identify challenges and opportunities in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea presented its report to the eight member states. Guyo also highlighted that illicit routes were being used for trafficking drugs, weapons, human beings and contraband.
He called for concerted efforts among all member states, as climate change disrupted livelihoods and led to a rise in insecurity as affected communities struggled for food, water and pastures.
Moi Lemoshira, the director-general of the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, noted that insecurity in the region had negatively impacted development, and the rise in terrorism and extremist groups affected all member states, hence the need for joint collaboration.
“The Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea have enormous potential, but insecurity, political transitions, and instability in some member countries have hindered efforts to reap the benefits of the region,” he said.
The Kenyan official commended the task force launched to examine the opportunities and challenges of the IGAD region, adding that their report would assist in developing a roadmap.
“The full effects of climate change have been felt in the last two years, and this, coupled with instability in some countries, has created a window for insecurity and terrorism,” Lemoshira said.
Additionally, Article 225 addresses the custody of children during divorce proceedings. In the best interest of the children, the judge may assign provisional custody to one of the spouses or a third party, and determine each spouse’s contribution to child support.
Laws pertaining to divorce and custody matters can vary significantly. Filing for divorce and parental rights can differ from one state to another. It is crucial to understand your state’s divorce laws and parental rights before proceeding.
Contemplating divorce is a major decision, particularly when minor children are involved. When assessing a custody case, the family court prioritizes the best interests of the child or children.
Minimizing disruptions to the child’s life and preserving their relationships with both parents are key considerations. In some states, the child’s preferences regarding their living arrangements may also be taken into account.
{{Types of child custody arrangements}}
Various child custody arrangements exist for co-parenting families. {{Physical custody}} involves sharing a home with the child and handling their day-to-day care. {{Legal custody}} entails making important decisions about the child’s life, including healthcare, religious upbringing, education, and extracurricular activities.
{{Joint custody}} allows both parents to share parental rights and the child’s living arrangements. {{Joint legal custody }} involves equal decision-making power, while {{joint physical custody}} means the child spends nearly equal time with both parents. Courts typically prefer this arrangement as it is often deemed in the child’s best interest.
{{Sole custody}} occurs when one parent or guardian has sole physical and legal custody of the child. This arrangement is appropriate when one parent is deemed unfit, perhaps due to domestic violence or child abuse. However, the non-custodial parent may retain other parental rights, such as visitation or parenting time.
{{Child custody decisions in Rwanda}}
Article 243 addresses the effects of divorce on children in Rwanda. Custody of the children is awarded to the spouse who obtains the divorce, while the other spouse gains visitation rights or the right to contact or be visited by the children.
The judge determines appropriate terms to uphold these rights during the judgment. However, the court may, on its own motion or upon application by either spouse or another interested party, decide to entrust the children to the care of the losing spouse or a third party based on the children’s best interests.
Children under the age of six (6) years are generally required to live with their mother, unless the children’s interests are at risk. The court may also order shared custody between both spouses if it is in the best interests of the children.
Measures ordered by the court under this Article are always provisional and can be revoked upon request by any interested party through a unilateral petition.
