Preliminary reports indicated that approximately 10,000 families, about 50,000 people, fled their homes, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in its latest update.
It noted that a Turkish Hospital in Nyala that treats the wounded, which is already understaffed, is reportedly struggling to cope with the influx of wounded people.
The OCHA added that there were concerns that the continued fighting will exacerbate the already precarious humanitarian situation and heighten the health, nutrition, sanitation and food security needs of the vulnerable.
According to the UN, an estimated 401,000 people live in Nyala, and about 95,000 needed humanitarian assistance even before the conflict.
Sudan has been witnessing deadly armed clashes between the SAF and the RSF in Khartoum and other areas since April 15, which left over 3,000 people killed and more than 6,000 injured, according to the Sudanese Health Ministry.
More than 4 million people have fled from their homes — 3.2 million people were displaced internally and close to 900,000 have crossed the border into Chad, Egypt, South Sudan and other countries, according to the latest UN estimates.
A statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister confirmed that the responsibilities previously entrusted to the now-disbanded ministry will be transferred to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (Minecofin). This move aims to streamline administrative functions and ensure a more cohesive approach to economic management.
Assuming the role of Minister of State in charge of Public Investment and Resource Mobilization within Minecofin is Jeanine Munyeshuli. She takes over the duties previously overseen by Eric Rwigamba. Rwigamba, on the other hand, has been appointed as the Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources.
Before her current appointment, Munyeshuli held the position of Chief Strategy Officer at the University of Global Health Equity. With a background as an economist and a Yoga teacher, she also holds a Master’s Degree in Econometrics and Statistics from the University of Geneva, Switzerland. Munyeshuli’s diverse experience, both in academia and governance, makes her a fitting choice for the challenging role of steering public investment strategies.
At the inception of the now-defunct ministry, experts acclaimed its formation, recognizing its potential to mitigate losses incurred from government investments. Additionally, the ministry was anticipated to strengthen oversight mechanisms, thereby enhancing efficiency and optimizing results.
The role of Minister of State in charge of Public Investment and Resource Mobilization came with a range of pivotal responsibilities. These encompassed identifying prospects for government investments, closely monitoring the performance of existing government investments in various enterprises, and executing privatization of public investments where deemed advantageous.
As the nation enters this new phase of economic governance with the restructuring of ministerial roles, it remains to be seen how this adjustment will impact the management of public investments and the overall trajectory of the Rwandan economy.
The narcotics were disposed of on Tuesday, August 22, in a public exercise held in Kamembe Sector, Cyangugu Cell, Karambo Village.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said that the successful operations were largely facilitated by the public through information exchange.
“The 14000kgs of cannabis disposed of on Tuesday were seized from different traffickers and local dealers, mainly in Rusizi District in operations conducted over the past two years. Some narcotics were being transported by taxi-moto operators and public vehicles along Rusiz-Kigali highway.
Others were being transported on bicycles as well as traffickers who were attempting to sneak big quantities of cannabis into Rwanda from DR Congo through Lake Kivu and other porous border points,” said SP Karekezi.
He added that many drug dealers as well as motorists and cyclists, who facilitate the dealers, were also arrested in the process with some of them serving their sentences while others are still under investigations.
SP Karekezi said that the public destruction of cannabis in Rusizi also provided an opportunity to sensitize motorcyclists, cyclists and the youth in particular on dangers of dealing and a using drugs, both health and legal repercussions,” SP Karekezi said.
Cannabis is listed among very severe drugs under the Ministerial order No 001/MoH/2019 of 04/03/2019 establishing the list of narcotic drugs and their categorisation.
The penalty for dealing in very severe drugs, under article 263 of the law determining offences and penalties in general ranges between 20 years and life imprisonment, and a fine of Rwf20 million to Rwf30 million.
The spokesperson commended the role of the public in fighting criminality and drug related crimes in particular, and called for strengthened partnership and sharing of information on drug dealers.
Minister Uwamariya takes over her new role from Prof. Jeannette Bayisenge, who has been designated as the Minister of Public Service and Labour (MIFOTRA), replacing Fanfan Rwanyindo.
In this reshuffle, Gaspard Twagirayezu assumes the position of Minister of Education. Prior to this appointment, he fulfilled the role of State Minister in charge of Primary and Secondary Education.
Furthermore, as part of these adjustments, Claudette Irere steps into the role of the new Minister of State for Education. She previously held the position of State Minister in charge of ICT & TVET within the same ministry since 2020.
In light of these changes, Maj. Gen. Albert Murasira has been designated as the Minister of Emergency Management, taking over from Solange Kayisire. Murasira brings with him prior experience, having previously held the position of Minister of Defence.
Kayisire will be assuming her new responsibilities as the Minister of State for Local Government, succeeding Assumpta Ingabire in this role.
Concurrently, Sandrine Umutoni, previously the Director General of the Imbuto Foundation, has been appointed as the Minister of State for Youth.
In another capacity, Claudine Uwera has been appointed as the new Minister of State for Environment, while Jeanine Munyeshuli will take on the position of Minister of State for Public Investment and Resource Mobilization at the Ministry of Economic Planning and Finance.
Additional changes encompass the appointment of Eric Rwigamba as the Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources. Rwigamba previously held the portfolio of Minister of Public Investments and Privatisation, a role that has been transferred to the finance ministry.
The recent adjustments also involve the appointment of Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Charles Rudakubana as the proposed Ambassador to Angola, and Margaret Nyagahura as the proposed Ambassador to Hungary.
Assumpta Ingabire is now positioned as the Director General of the National Child Development Agency, succeeding Nadine Gatsinzi Umutoni, who assumes a new role as the Chief Gender Monitor of the Gender Monitoring Office.
Peter Mathuki, the secretary general of the intergovernmental organization, told journalists that the talks will be the final stage before Somalia can join the EAC.
“We will deliver the report of the negotiations to the council of ministers as well as the summit of the heads of states of the EAC before the end of the year,” he said.
The EAC member states include Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Uganda.
On Jan. 25, the EAC sent a team of technical experts to Somalia to verify and assess the preparedness of Somalia to join the regional bloc as the eighth member.
Mohamud Abdirahman Sheikh Farah, Somali minister of Planning, Investment and Economic Development, said that his country is keen to join the EAC because it already enjoys close socioeconomic ties with all members of the trading bloc. “We have also received a positive reception from the heads of state of all the EAC members,” Farah said.
Rebecca Miano, cabinet secretary in Kenya’s Ministry for EAC, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, and Regional Development, said that the EAC verification team has confirmed that Somalia meets the basic requirements of the EAC Treaty for admission of foreign countries into the economic bloc.
Miano noted that during the negotiations, the EAC will highlight to the Somali delegation, the benefits, obligations, and commitments of partner states under the EAC Treaty which will be the basis for the negotiations in good faith by both teams.
Xi arrived on Monday for a state visit to South Africa, where he will attend the 15th BRICS Summit and co-chair with Ramaphosa the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue.
Munyankindi is detained at RIB Station in Kimihurura.
This incident follows closely on the heels of an ongoing investigation into the activities of FERWACY’s President, Abdallah Murenzi, who also faces substantial scrutiny for his suspected involvement in the matter.
The RIB’s investigation indicates that Munyankindi’s arrest on the 21st August 2023, is linked to suspicions of his decision-making being motivated by personal gains.
While President Murenzi is not currently detained, RIB is actively monitoring his activities, assessing his potential complicity as an accomplice in conjunction with their ongoing inquiry.
Rwanda maintains stringent anti-corruption legislation, and should the charges be substantiated, Munyankindi could potentially face a prison term of up to seven years along with a fine ranging from Rwf1 to 2 million.
Further complicating matters is the revelation of a Visa-related scandal. It is alleged that Munyankindi used his position to secure a Visa for his wife to accompany the national delegation to a cycling tournament in Glasgow, even though she held no official role within the delegation. This incident appears to underscore the concept of clientelism.
Even young national cyclists, en route to the World Championships in Scotland, faced difficulties, which only heightened suspicions regarding FERWACY’s operations.
A delegation list seen by IGIHE shows Providence Uwineza, Munyankindi’s wife, prominently placed as the third applicant for the group Visa, despite her absence of responsibilities within the official delegation.
Speaking to IGIHE recently on 8th August, Munyankindi explained that his wife intended to attend the event as a spectator.
The situation took an even more controversial turn with indications that Uwineza encountered obstacles preventing her departure from Rwanda due to irregularities in her travel arrangements.
Munyankindi has also been serving at the helm of Benediction Excel Energy cycling team.
The disheartening news concerning this sanctuary of biodiversity, home to a plethora of animal species including numerous monkey varieties, unfolded on August 20, 2023, around 1:00 PM.
Initial reports suggest that the ferocity of the fire may have been underestimated, compounded by its remote location distanced from populated areas.
Daniel Ndamyimana, the executive secretary of the Bweyeye sector, swiftly engaged security forces to collaborate with local residents. Regrettably, despite their collective efforts, the inferno continues to rage unchecked.
“Challenges persist in extinguishing the flames due to exacerbated weather conditions. Residents, armed with hoes and shovels to construct firebreaks, have encountered precarious situations. Unforeseen factors such as falling trees or sudden gusts of wind have further fanned the flames,” he said.
Eyewitnesses on-site indicated that, as of Sunday, approximately 15 hectares have succumbed to the ravages of the fire. However, a relentless battle against the devastation is underway.
Ndamyimana commends the unwavering dedication of the residents who have valiantly fought against this relentless blaze. He implores them to persist, underscoring that the park is not merely a local treasure, but a national and global heritage that demands protection.
Encompassing a sprawling 1,019 km², Nyungwe National Park teeters on the brink of disaster as the flames continue to rage.
Within its confines, a staggering 1,068 plant species, 13 primate species, 275 bird species, alongside a diverse array of animals including buffaloes and various reptiles, find refuge.
The circumstances leading to his demise remain shrouded in uncertainty. Kayitare, a well-known figure in Kampala, was often spotted driving his personalized Range Rover with a ‘Fred K’ registration plate.
CMI, the investigative branch of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has yet to provide an official statement regarding the incident, which was made public on Monday evening.
Sources familiar with the situation have indicated that operatives reported Kayitare’s death to the police on Saturday, categorizing it as a suicide. They claimed that he had jumped from the second floor of the CMI headquarters building in Mbuya, a suburb of the city, during an interrogation session.
However, doubts have been raised about this account, as interrogations typically occur on the ground floor of the building, rather than the location from which Kayitare allegedly jumped.
It has been reported that members of CMI and the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT) apprehended Kayitare in the middle of last week. The precise reason for his detention remains speculative, with conflicting reports of alleged involvement in fraud and cybercrime that could not be independently verified.
Relatives of Kayitare expressed shock upon learning of the army’s claim that he had taken his own life. A vigil was held in his honor in Kampala on Sunday, and his widow revealed plans to repatriate his body to Rwanda. She however said that this process has been hindered by the fact that his wallet, containing his identity card, is still held by authorities.
The Deputy Spokesman of UPDF/Defence, Col Deo Akiiki, informed The Monitor that he was not privy to the details of the case but would seek to ascertain further information.
This incident isn’t the first time that Rwandans have been detained at CMI’s facility in Mbuya under ambiguous circumstances. Tensions escalated in 2017 amid deteriorating relations between Rwanda and Uganda.
Negotiations aimed at easing these tensions ultimately led to the release of detained Rwandans. In June of the previous year, Maj Gen James Birungi, the head of CMI, visited Rwanda and engaged with senior military officials in an attempt to improve relations.
As a nurturing mother of three, Sankoh’s journey intertwines with that of her Rwandan partner, creating a culturally rich and diverse family tapestry.
Professionally, she shines as a vital asset at the Xerius Center, a hub of empowerment where aspiring entrepreneurs find their wings to soar.
What sets Sankoh apart is her fervent collaboration with talented Rwandan artisans. Through intricate connections, she sources their captivating handicrafts, acting as a bridge that brings the heart and soul of Rwandan craftsmanship to the European market. Her efforts not only uplift individuals but also celebrate the artistry and heritage of a distant land.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Sankoh fondly reminisced about her maiden voyage to Rwanda in August 2022. The trip was sparked by her friends’ wedding, which provided her with the opportunity to explore the enchanting corners of Kigali. This journey led her to encounter the skilled artisans whose expertise spanned sewing, weaving, and fashioning clothing that embodied the essence of “Made in Rwanda.”
“It was an artistic revelation for me. Witnessing the skill and passion these artisans poured into their creations, I was captivated. I acquired some of their products, sharing them with colleagues and friends who resonated with their charm,” Sankoh articulated.
Fuelled by her newfound admiration for Rwanda, Sankoh embarked on a return journey to the homeland of her husband and children. Mere months later, she embarked on a venture that would amplify the presence of “Made in Rwanda” products in Europe. Collaborating with women’s cooperatives in Rwanda, Sankoh acquired a substantial inventory of intricately crafted bags that soon captured the hearts of European clientele.
“One of the most fascinating aspects is that my circle of colleagues and friends cherish the authenticity of handmade goods. I supplement this by sharing visuals of the artisans and their creative sanctuaries, evoking genuine joy,” Sankoh disclosed.
During her Rwandan sojourn, Sankoh ventured to Batsinda in the Gasabo District, a locale abuzz with women weaving an array of wondrous items.
Recognizing the allure and superior quality of their crafts, Sankoh fostered a symbiotic partnership aimed at procuring and distributing these treasures overseas.
“My motivation stemmed from the realization that unity enhances their artistic prowess, prompting my desire to contribute via a mutually rewarding partnership,” Sankoh reflected with a contemplative smile.
Beyond her entrepreneurial pursuits, Sankoh embarked on a noble mission.
Collaborating with various individuals, she initiated fundraising campaigns to support the children of these skilled female artisans. This initiative encompassed essential school supplies, sports attire, and now extends to providing computers for the young learners.
“Nothing brings me more joy than showcasing the very best of Rwanda, sharing its soul with kindred spirits who, like me, hold it in deep affection. The synergy of passion and purpose is truly unparalleled,” Sankoh revealed.
For those keen to delve into Sankoh’s journey, she welcomes inquiries.
Reach out at +32484906763, write to info@sankoshi.com, or visit the vibrant world she curates at Www.sankoshi.com
Juggling her commitment to another profession, Sankoh contemplates a future realignment. “I envision a transition, fully dedicating myself to the exquisite offerings from Rwanda. Their original allure resonates profoundly with the discerning tastes of many.”
Sankoh’s narrative is a testament to how one individual’s appreciation for authentic craftsmanship can bridge continents, fostering connections that celebrate both artistry and shared humanity.
