Among them, 1,012 had their prison terms reduced, 171 were pardoned over their remaining terms, and the others had their fines reduced or annulled, according to the statement.
Eid al-Adha, known as the “Feast of Sacrifice,” is one of the biggest Muslim festivals.
Chinese ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian said that China, as the world’s largest developing country, was highly optimistic about promoting economic growth not just in the EAC but also on the entire African continent.
The statement said Chen made the remarks when she officially handed over eight vehicles, including three buses and five double-cabin pickups, to the EAC headquarters in Tanzania’s northern city of Arusha Tuesday.
The donation of the vehicles, which were from the most well-known Chinese automobile manufacturers, including Zhongtong and JMC, will assist the EAC by improving its capacity in organizing and coordinating meetings and events across the region, said Chen, noting China had also dispatched technicians and assorted motor vehicle spare parts to aid in the maintenance and operations of the vehicles.
The Chinese envoy said China will remain a staunch and strong supporter of the EAC on development, and reaffirmed her country’s desire to strengthen collaboration and solidarity with the regional bloc for the mutual benefit of both parties.
“China highly appreciates the significant contribution made by the EAC in maintaining regional peace and stability, improving regional infrastructure, jointly fighting against COVID-19, promoting regional economic integration and economic recovery of countries in the region,” said Chen.
Receiving the vehicles on behalf of the EAC secretary general, Peter Mathuki, the director of Social Sectors at the EAC secretariat, Irene Isaka, thanked the Chinese government for the generous donation, saying the assistance was a demonstration of the excellent relations existing between China and the EAC.
“The friendly relations between China and the EAC have continued to develop in-depth, and pragmatic cooperation in various fields has achieved remarkable results,” said Isaka.
Isaka said last year, China donated funds to the EAC to support EAC’s development projects and the 4th EAC Youth Leadership Summit.
“China has also continued to make substantial contributions in the region, especially in the areas of infrastructure development projects geared towards the promotion of intra-EAC trade,” she said.
“About five million children under the age of five are estimated to be facing acute malnutrition in 2023 in the Horn region, in the Greater Horn. That is about 10.4 million, that is just a staggering figure,” a UN statement issued Monday quoted Liesbeth Aelbrecht, incident manager for the greater Horn of Africa emergency at the World Health Organization (WHO), as saying.
The UN humanitarian agencies, in a joint statement, warned that climate concerns are key to food security in the coming months.
Global forecasts indicate that El Nino weather pattern conditions are already present and will strengthen through the rest of the year, which could bring above-average rains during the October-to-December rainy season across eastern parts of the region, including much of Kenya, the Somali region of Ethiopia, and Somalia.
“El Nino may somewhat reduce the risk of flooding in flood-prone areas such as South Sudan,” the statement quoted Brenda Lazarus, food security and early warning economist at Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Subregional Office for Eastern Africa, as saying.
According to UN figures, the 60 million people severely food insecure include more than 15 million women of reproductive age, 5.6 million adolescent girls and close to 1.1 million pregnant women.
Close to 360,000 of them are expected to give birth in the next three months, according to the UN.
Women who are forced to look for food just to survive “do so at the expense of their own health,” the statement quoted Michael Ebele, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) regional humanitarian adviser for East and Southern Africa, as saying.
The UN said malnutrition among pregnant and lactating mothers puts their unborn and breast-feeding children at risk of malnutrition and propagates malnutrition through entire life cycles in communities.
Malnourished mothers are also less able to withstand complications in pregnancy which will put them at greater risk of losing their child.
Eid al-Adha holds deep religious significance as it commemorates the Quranic account of Prophet Abraham’s unwavering willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael. However, at the last moment, God intervened and replaced the human sacrifice with a lamb, emphasizing that human life should never be taken in the name of God.
The day is traditionally observed by the ritualistic sacrifice of an animal, commonly a goat, sheep, or cow. The meat from the sacrifice is then distributed amongst neighbors, family members, and those less fortunate in the community.
Sheikh Hitimana Salim, the Mufti of Rwanda, expressed the immense importance of Eid al-Adha and encouraged Muslims to exemplify virtuous behavior. He emphasized that this occasion is a day of great joy and urged Muslims to uphold love, respect, and adhere to the teachings of Abraham, who demonstrated profound reverence for God.
Mufti Hitimana fervently urged all Muslims to distance themselves from any actions that tarnish the reputation of Islam, particularly acts of terrorism. He called upon the Muslim community to disassociate themselves from all forms of evil and negative influences.
Among others, Mufti Hitimana appealed to those with means to slaughter livestock, and share the joy of the feast with friends and the needy.
He highlighted the importance of learning from the story of Abraham, who, out of love for God, was prepared to sacrifice his own son. This account serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to emulate Abraham’s devotion and strengthen their connection with the divine.
During the visit, President Kagame along with First Lady Jeannette Kagame has been received by his counterpart Wavel Ramkalawan and his wife, Linda Ramkalawan.
President Kagame, as the Guest of Honor, will be gracing Seychelles’ National Day parade on June 29, as announced by Seychelles’ Office of the President.
He will also engage in bilateral discussions with President Wavel Ramkalawan at State House. This meeting is expected to yield several bilateral deals and agreements that will further strengthen the ties between the two nations.
Among others, Kagame will have the honor of addressing an Extraordinary Session of the National Assembly, further emphasizing the importance of this visit.
This visit marks President Kagame’s second time visiting Seychelles, highlighting the enduring friendship and collaboration between the two countries. Notably, both nations have cultivated cordial relations, particularly in the domains of tourism, education, and security, with a focus on the police sector.
In April 2021, during his presentation of credentials to President Ramkalawan, Rwanda’s high commissioner to Seychelles, Maj. Gen Charles Karamba, emphasized the significance of tourism and education as key areas for cooperation and development.
Both Rwanda and Seychelles are members of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) and Commonwealth, currently led by Rwandans.
President Kagame is the Chairperson of Commonwealth while Louise Mushikiwabo is at the helm of La Francophonie.
While addressing 532 leaders of Rwanda Youth Volunteers in Community Policing (RYVCP) from sectors, districts and national levels, and higher institutions of learning, in Kigali on Tuesday, June 27, IGP Namuhoranye said that safety and security is a shared responsibility.
The meeting focused on mainly two crucial aspects; crime prevention and increasing the number of RYVCP members.
The youth organisation created in 2013 by very few people, majority university students at the time, has since grown to more than 730,000 members.
“Ensuring security of our country is not the sole responsibility of security agencies but the role of everyone. Continue to play an active role in crime prevention programmes and seize the available youth development opportunities,” IGP Namuhoranye told the youth volunteers.
He reminded them that the government expects a lot from them, and to always share information on any suspected criminal acts or individuals engaged in crimes.
“What you do and the impact you create portrays a good image that even attracts other young people to join this family of youth volunteers. The increase in numbers of youth volunteers defines a big group that is not involved in crimes but rather a massive voice and helping hand in fighting criminality for a safer and crime-free environment required for sustainable development.”
“The culture of volunteering is demonstrated by the good deeds… love for your country, supporting and improving the welfare of the disadvantaged, fighting and preventing crimes, and other human security activities,” the Police Chief said.
The youth group 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.
Gen F Ogolla also paid a courtesy call to the Minister of Defence, Juvénal Marizamunda.
Speaking after the visit, Gen F Ogolla said that as he was in Rwanda for the just concluded EAC member states Armed Forces Command Post Exercise (CPX) “USHIRIKIANO IMARA” in Musanze, he found it necessary to hold bilateral talks with his Rwandan counterpart.
Rwanda Defence Force and Kenya Defence Forces have had long standing partnerships in training as well as different sector of security.
In the morning, the KDF Chief of Defence Forces paid respect to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
The award ceremony took place on Monday, June 26th, 2023, at ARCOS Head Office in Kigali.
ARCOS has emerged as a first and long-standing partner of OTP, a renowned environmental non-profit organization committed to global reforestation efforts. Together, ARCOS and OTP have spearheaded numerous initiatives focused on rehabilitating and restoring vital ecosystems in Rwanda. This collaborative effort has yielded remarkable results and contributed significantly to the preservation of natural habitats, the protection of endangered species, and the enhancement of local livelihoods.
Commenting on the development, Dr. Sam Kanyamibwa, Founder & CEO of ARCOS, expressed his gratitude for the recognition noting that the achievement reflects the tireless efforts of the organization’s dedicated team and the strong partnerships cultivated over the years.
“We remain steadfast in our mission to protect the unique biodiversity of the Albertine Rift, Africa Mountains and Great Lakes Ecosystems as well as promote sustainable development for the benefit of present and future generations,” he stated.
The impact of ARCOS’ landscape restoration initiatives has been far-reaching, with tangible environmental, social, and economic benefits.
With an annual capacity of planting and growing 5 million trees, ARCOS is restoring more than 40,000 hectares of arable land in the Albertine Rift region, primarily in Rwanda, thereby mitigating climate change and fostering the involvement of local communities in conservation efforts. With 50,000 smallholder farmers house engaged as champions of restoration, of which 60% are women, ARCOS is empowering these individuals to actively participate in the restoration of degraded landscapes.
Dr. Kanyamibwa has extended heartfelt gratitude to the government of Rwanda for support in facilitating these high-impact initiatives and commitment to environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the event; Ange Kalitanyi , OTP Country Representative highlighted that the award reflects the exceptional work carried out by ARCOS as it emerged as the worthy recipient of the esteemed recognition out of more than 80 planting partners spanning across 27 African countries.
One Tree Planted is a non-profit organization focusing on global reforestation efforts.
“ARCOS has undoubtedly set a high standard in engaging communities, diligently monitoring their work, and fostering an incredible partnership with us. Together, we have made a significant impact, not only in Rwanda but across the globe. Just last week, One Tree Planted celebrated the remarkable milestone of planting 100 million trees worldwide, and it brings me great joy to acknowledge that ARCOS played a pivotal role in achieving this monumental feat,” she remarked.
The award ceremony brought together prominent conservationists, government officials, and key stakeholders who share a common goal of preserving Africa’s natural heritage. It will serve as an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of ARCOS and One Tree Planted while inspiring others to join the global movement for landscape restoration and sustainable development.
In its efforts to broaden its reach, RwandAir has today launched direct flights to Paris, the capital of France.
Following the successful inaugural flight, Yvonne Manzi Makolo, the CEO of RwandAir, told IGIHE that the airline is actively exploring new routes, with a focus on African destinations as well as considering opportunities in Europe.
Makolo emphasized the airline’s commitment to expanding its fleet by stating, “We are actively considering the purchase of an additional aircraft. We have an upcoming delivery of a Boeing 737 in July 2023. We are dedicated to augmenting our fleet size.”
RwandAir currently operates to a variety of destinations across East, Central, West, and Southern Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
Once delivered, the new aircraft will become the 13th addition to RwandAir’s growing fleet, showcasing the airline’s determination to strengthen its operational capacity and enhance its service offerings.
The body was seen hanging from the bridge in the morning of Tuesday 27th June 2023.
The executive secretary of Gatsata Sector, Alphonsine Murebwayire has told IGIHE that investigation is underway to establish the cause of his death.
“After receiving learning about the incident, local leaders swiftly responded and identified the deceased as Niyibizi, a 25-year-old individual from Cyahinda in Nyaruguru. However, we are still in the process of establishing his whereabouts and place of residence,” revealed Murebwayire.
The body has been taken to Kacyiru Hospital for postmortem.
