The number of civilian injuries has risen to 4,746, the nongovernmental organization said in a statement.
Over 1.9 million people have been displaced since the conflict began on April 15, fleeing to safer locations inside and outside Sudan, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in its latest update on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, 1.4 million were internally displaced within Sudan as of June 6, and some 460,000 people, including refugees, asylum seekers and returnees, have crossed into neighbouring countries as of June 8, it added, citing the UN Refugee Agency.
The countries the Sudanese have crossed into include the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan, according to OCHA.
“There are criminal networks that traffic in human beings in the countries of origin or in countries of destination in Europe,” Saied said during a phone call with President of the European Council Charles Michel.
“Security solutions alone are not enough to eliminate the scourge,” he added, calling for a new collective approach mainly by eliminating the root causes.
The Tunisian president reiterated that an international meeting must be held with the participation of all countries concerned with the issue.
Saied and Michel also discussed a number of other issues of common interest such as bilateral cooperation and Tunisia’s negotiations with the International Monetary Fund.
Located in the central Mediterranean, Tunisia is one of the most popular transit points for illegal immigration to Europe.
Although Tunisian authorities have adopted rigorous measures to tackle the problem, the number of illegal immigrants from Tunisia to Italy has been on the rise.
Authorities have retrieved the bodies of 79 refugees after a fishing boat carrying an unknown number of passengers sank 47 nautical miles off Pylos town, Greek national news agency AMNA reported.
“Everyone’s thoughts are with all the victims of the ruthless traffickers who take advantage of human misery,” said caretaker Prime Minister Ioannis Sarmas.
A total of 104 passengers have now been rescued, Nikolaos Alexiou, spokesperson for the maritime affairs and insular policy ministry told Greek national broadcaster ERT. A search and rescue operation to locate other passengers will continue during the night, he added.
“We cannot give a number of passengers with certainty, but it was very large … My colleagues found an overloaded boat,” he said.
However, he did not confirm estimates that there were 400-700 passengers on board, which survivors gave to ERT and other media. They said the fishing boat which sank during nighttime between Tuesday and Wednesday had been on the way from Libya to Italy.
The incident happened in the area with the deepest waters across the Mediterranean Sea, and none of the survivors was wearing a lifejacket, according to Alexiou.
Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou has travelled to the nearby city of Kalamata, where survivors are being taken. The president expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, calling for “coordination of EU member states to safeguard the lives and safety of migrants and refugees.”
Meanwhile, European Council President Charles Michel said the accident was a “heartbreaking reminder we must put an end to the unscrupulous business of smugglers.” EU leaders will address the issue at the European Council on June 29-30, he said on Twitter.
“We must continue to work together, with Member States and 3rd countries, to prevent such tragedies,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.
So far this year, 72,778 refugees have arrived in Europe from the south, including 71,136 arrivals by sea to Italy, Greece, Spain, Cyprus and Malta, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency UNHCR.
At least 1,037 people have died or been reported missing in the region since the start of 2023, according to UNHCR.
The Minister made the remarks on Wednesday, June 14, while speaking to Police officers, who are attending a workshop on civic education and professional conduct at the Rwanda National Police (RNP) General Headquarters at Kacyiru.
Over 100 officers, including District Police Commanders, directors, commanders of specialized units, are attending a five-day workshop.
Minister Utumatwishima told Police officers that their role produces tangible results in encouraging the young people to refrain from lawlessness.
“The youth people make up the majority of the population and they include the educated, the uneducated, the employed and the unemployed. In order to know their problems, you need to gather information that includes knowing who they are, their living status, what they do on a daily basis and orient them on how they can change their lives,” Minister Utumatwishima told the Police commanders.
He added that the youth are often involved in crimes including prostitution, theft and drug use and that the Police working with local authorities can prevent and fight such crimes by supporting and encouraging them, which shapes their positive attitudes.
This, he said, should go hand-in-hand with encouraging parents to take their children to school, because when a child drops out of school, they tend to engage in other bad habits; wander in the streets and communities where they engage in criminal activities.
He asked them to work in unison with other institutions in awareness campaigns and to discuss the youth concerns, and what drives them into crimes, and utilize the youth as volunteers in fighting and preventing crimes.
He was speaking during a press conference on Wednesday 14th June 2023 that focused on reasons for recent dismissal of 116 RDF soldiers and rescission of contracts of 112 RDF personnel.
Last week, President Paul Kagame reshuffled RDF top brass where Lt Gen Mubarakh Muganga was named Chief of Defence Staff replacing Gen Jean Bosco Kazura.
Other changes saw Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi appointed as RDF Army Chief of Staff (ACOS) while Juvenal Marizamunda, the Commissioner General of the Rwanda Correctional Services (RCS) was named Minister of Defence replacing Maj Gen Albert Murasira.
Among others, Colonel Francis Regis Gatarayiha was named Acting Head of Military Intelligence in the RDF replacing Maj Gen Nyakarundi.
In the same week, President Kagame dismissed from RDF, Major General Aloys Muganga and Brigadier General Francis Mutiganda along with 14 other officers.
A statement announcing the dismissals last week also read that the Head of State authorized the dismissal of 116 other ranks and approved the rescission of service contracts of 112 other ranks.
Speaking to members of the press today, Brig Gen Rwivanga disclosed that these dismissals and rescission have no connection with recent changes in RDF leadership.
Maj Gen Muganga served as the Acting Reserve Force Chief of Staff (RFCOS) from November 2018 prior to his latest appointment as the Commander of Mechanized Division in April 2019.
Besides, Brig Gen Mutiganda previously served as the Acting Director General of the external security department at the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) before he was re-deployed to RDF Headquarters in 2018.
The Article 7 of the Law Nº 38/2015 of 30/07/2015 determining the downsizing, dismissal ,discharge and demobilization of RDF personnel; stipulates that a member of Rwanda Defence Forces may be dismissed due to gross misconduct.
It reads that gross misconduct leading to dismissal has to be approved by the competent authority.
Among others, officers are dismissed by a Presidential Order while Non Commissioned Officers and troops are dismissed by an Order of the Minister.
As for rescission of service contract, the article 105 of the Presidential Order Nº 044/01 of 14/02/2020 indicates that the Minister rescinds, when considered necessary, the service contract entered into with a soldier.
It further states that the soldier whose service contract is rescinded is entitled to a rescission of the contract package equivalent to a quarter (1/4) of the end of contract package.
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The development has been confirmed by the country’s Minister of Interior, Ken Zikhale.
He said that these individuals expressed desire for voluntary repatriation to their homeland, given that the country is currently safe.
The deportation expected to begin this Wednesday. Preparations
Zikhale also revealed that talks are underway with Burundian refugees currently living in Malawi, suggesting the possibility of a similar repatriation to their country of origin.
The Director for UNHCR’s Regional Bureau for Southern Africa, Valentine Tapsoba explained that these refugees are being offered three options: repatriation to their country of origin, assistance to settle in their host country, or relocation to another country. However, the majority has chosen repatriation.
It should be noted that the refugee status for Rwandans who fled between 1959 and 1998 expired on December 31, 2017. Since then, the Rwandan government has actively campaigned to encourage the return of refugees, emphasizing the restored peace in Rwanda or seek residence documents for those preferring to stay in host countries.
On Sunday 11th June 2023, Malawi extradited to Rwanda, Théoneste Niyongira alias Kanyoni, a suspect accused of role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, Wang Xuekun; Dr. Fabien Habimana, representing the Minister of Education of Rwanda; Dr. Florien Nsanganwimana, Acting Principal of University of Rwanda, College of Education attended the event and delivered remarks.
Representatives from Chinese communities and Rwandan Universities, high schools and primary schools also joined the occasion.
Speaking at the event, Amb. Wang said that “Chinese Bridge” is an important bridge of communication, civilization and friendship.
He wished contestants continue to pursue their dreams through Chinese learning and be goodwill ambassadors for China-Rwanda relations.
Dr. Habimana and Dr. Nsanganwimana thanked the Chinese Government for its long-term support to the development of Rwanda’s education.
They congratulated the success of this event and expressed their hope that more Rwandan young people could learn Chinese, better understand Chinese culture and promote friendly exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.
The competition consisted of speech and talent show. After a fierce competition, Mbashimiyimana Delice from the University of Rwanda and Liata Furaha Rachel from SOS Technical High School won the competition respectively for college and high school students.
The explosives were found on June 13th, 2023, at the residence of Nibatete Kevine in Bwinyana Village, Rusave Cell.
Pauline Mutuyimana, the Executive Secretary of Murama Sector has told IGIHE that the grenades were unearthed while a resident was cleaning the courtyard and accidentally struck a metal object with a hoe.
Initially unsure of its nature, the resident sought confirmation from others, who identified it as a grenade.
“After removing the soil covering it, they discovered two more grenades. They immediately notified us and requested the presence of security personnel, who promptly cordoned off the area ensuring the safety of everyone,” she explained.
Mutuyimana further stated that the resident was advised to seek shelter with neighbors until the necessary procedures to neutralize the grenades are completed.
It is suspected that the grenades may have been left by former EX-FAR soldiers who had erected a roadblock in the area during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Amidst favorable investment conditions and the strategic use of both debt and equity instruments, Rwanda witnessed an 8.5 percent rise in FDI stocks, reaching an impressive $2.9 billion. This remarkable growth in FDI encompasses various foreign investments, including FDIs, portfolio investments, and other forms of capital.
Highlighting the source countries, Mauritius emerged as the top contributor, accounting for a significant 30.5 percent of FDI, primarily focused on the financial, ICT, manufacturing, and electricity sectors. Following closely is India, with a notable 17.9 percent investment in construction, and China with 17.6 percent invested in the tourism and manufacturing sectors.
Major FDI stocks also originated from countries such as Kenya, South Africa, and the USA, showcasing Rwanda’s attractiveness to a wide range of global investors.
FDIs remain the driving force behind Rwanda’s foreign private capital investments, demonstrating a remarkable recovery from $386.4 million in 2020 to a substantial $543.8 million in 2021, marking a 40.7 percent increase. The report states, “The rise in FPC inflows can be attributed to the recovery of economic activities from the poor performance induced by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.” Remarkably, Rwanda’s total FPC stock stood at a commendable $4.1 billion by the end of 2021.
While acknowledging the challenges faced globally, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the enduring impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the report sheds light on Rwanda’s resilience. Despite these obstacles, the country experienced a significant boost in return on investment (ROI), soaring to 11.8 percent in 2021, surpassing the global average of 9.7 percent. Rwanda’s ability to thrive in the face of adversity highlights its strong economic foundation and promising investment climate.
In contrast to global trends, Africa’s FDI flows amounted to $83 billion in 2021, doubling the figures from 2020 and accounting for an impressive 5.2 percent of global FDI. Rwanda’s outstanding performance in this landscape speaks volumes about the country’s potential as a prime investment destination.
In his introductory statement; Central Bank Governor, John Rwangombwa, emphasized the significance of the FPC census report for the Government of Rwanda, stating that it plays a vital role in shaping policy measures that attract FDI and enhance the business environment.
Undeterred by economic challenges, Rwanda remains steadfast in its commitment to promote diverse FDI opportunities.
This commitment is exemplified by programs like the Manufacture and Build to Recover initiative, which has already generated $1.2 billion worth of investments. With the launch of its second phase in March 2023, Rwanda aims to attract a staggering $2.5 billion in investments across priority sectors, including manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, agro-processing, and ICT.
Rwanda’s remarkable FDI growth story serves as an inspiration to the world, defying global challenges and positioning itself as an enticing investment hub. With a thriving economy and promising returns, Rwanda stands tall as an exemplar of resilience and opportunity in the international business landscape.
