As the conflict has been raging in parts of the country for nearly three decades, with children paying the heaviest price, more than 26.4 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in the DRC, or about one in every four people, including 14.2 million children, said Save the Children in a statement issued Tuesday.
In reaction to the latest rebel attack early Monday on a camp for displaced people in the eastern Ituri province, which killed at least 46 civilians, including 23 children, the charity organization is calling on donors to immediately release additional funds to help survivors with urgent medical care.
“As the number of people injured and children separated due to these attacks continues to grow, Save the Children is calling on donors to immediately release additional funds to help survivors with urgent medical care, cooking supplies for those whose shelters were burned, and support for family tracing and reunification activities for children separated from their caregivers in the chaos,” said Cecilia Thiam, Save the Children’s humanitarian director in the DRC.
Save the Children has been present in Ituri Province, one of the country’s most impacted by conflict, since 1998 and runs a range of life-saving programs including in nutrition, hygiene and child protection. It has also run primary health care through mobile clinics and an advanced health care approach to displaced people since January 2023.
The accident occurred on Monday morning in a river in the Patigi local government area of the state, as the passengers were returning home from the neighboring Niger state in the central region, Ajayi Okasanmi, the spokesman for the police in Kwara, told Xinhua on the phone.
Okasanmi said some others remained missing, confirming that rescue operation was going on in the Kpada community of Patigi local government area.
“I can confirm to you that well over 200 people were involved in the sad incident. We will continue to collaborate with rescuers and other agencies of government to rescue the remaining victims and recover other bodies,” the police officer said.
In an earlier statement, Kwara state governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq said the victims of the incident were returning from a wedding in the neighboring Niger state when the incident occurred.
Boat accidents in the West African country are frequently reported due to overloading, bad weather, and faulty operations.
A total of 54 military, seven police officers and 15 government officials from different ministries will participate in the training exercise, dubbed “Ushirikiano Imara 2023,” which will start Thursday at Musanze in northern Rwanda, said Isaac Okware, spokesperson for the Ugandan contingent, in a statement.
“The exercise will bring together the military, police and civilian components from the seven EAC member states on counterterrorism, piracy, disaster management and peace operations,” said Okware.
The troops are drawn from Uganda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan and Tanzania.
The Ugandan team led by Colonel Stuart Agaba was flagged off by Brig. Gen. Matthew Gureme, the military’s Chief of Training and Recruitment, Monday afternoon at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy in the eastern city of Jinja.
The “Ushirikiano Imara,” meaning a strong partnership in Swahili, is an annual multinational, multi-disciplinary, multi-dimensional and multi-cultural exercise event held to demonstrate the EAC member states commitment to the enhancement of regional peace and security.
The field training exercise was established in 2004 to train forces within EAC member states as a means of demonstrating compatibility and readiness to deploy in peace support operations, based on past experiences of conflicts in Africa.
He made the disclosure on Monday 12th June 2023 during celebrations of “Russia Day” in Kigali.
Amb. Chalyan stated that the past 20 years have seen a gradual and measured progress of multifaceted relations with Rwanda, especially in the fields of political support and dialogue, training of personnel, defence, digital technology and nuclear energy.
“For example, this academic year the number of Government scholarships, offered to Rwanda, increased twofold. Together we have made the first good steps in revitalizing our cooperation in the field of medicine, and in particular biomedical research,” he noted.
Amb. Chalyan affirmed that both countries are continuously expanding political dialogue and humanitarian interaction observing that there is much room for growth and improvement, for the increase in the potential of bilateral cooperation, which both countries possess, including in the field of interaction between private businesses.
Amb. Chalyan said that Rwanda-Russia cooperation in international affairs is strong and growing where both countries share the same belief that there is no alternative to international law and the principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter which must be applied without double standards.
He also highlighted that Russia and Rwanda share opinions on most issues of the UN agenda and cooperate on the agenda related to African issues in the UN Security Council.
“Russia maintains a high opinion of Rwanda’s efforts to bring peace to areas beset by strife and conflict. As an old UN peacekeeper myself, I can only echo my Government’s appreciation of the Rwandans military and police contingent’s excellent work in the Central African Republic, South Sudan and the Cabo-Delgado province of Mozambique,” said Amb. Chalyan.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Vincent Biruta said that diplomatic relations established between both countries 60 years ago experienced remarkable growth and vitality particularly in the past five years , marked by high level visits from both sides.
He also stated that both countries share a long and fruitful history of cooperation that was recently deepened in the areas of education, energy, peace and security.
“In the field of education, Russia has been a long-standing partner of Rwanda. Russian universities and higher education institutions have welcomed thousands of Rwandan students who have played significant roles in Rwanda’s development,” remarked Dr. Biruta.
He also expressed delight for current developments where the Russian Federation is set to offer free online Russian language courses to Rwandan students.
To this end, Dr. Biruta disclosed that Rwanda Higher Education Council and the University of Rwanda are actively working together to provide suitable facilities for interested candidates in Rwanda.
Among others, he said that Rwanda is delighted to engage in bilateral cooperation with Russia, particularly in addressing security challenges, and combating terrorism, and other transnational threats.
“As we continue to work closely together to resolve various conflicts in our respective regions, it is important that we seek peaceful approaches to regional mechanisms to address the root causes of these conflicts and find lasting solutions,” he noted.
Minister Birutra disclosed that there are ongoing discussions between both countries to explore new avenues of bilateral cooperation, especially in the areas of trade, smart cities, space technology, health, and sports and reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to nurturing and strengthening the excellent bilateral relations and cooperation.
“We are also committed to continuing to work closely with Russia and the international community on multilateral issues of mutual interest,” he concluded.
Observed every year on June 12, Russia Day commemorates when the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic first declared state sovereignty in 1990.
The declaration served as the foundation for reforms that led to Russia’s democracy.
The day was celebrated this year amidst ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine that erupted in February last year.
The Russian Ambassador to Rwanda has said that his country has clearly explained that the goal of conducting ‘its special military operation’ is ‘to remove the threat to national security that NATO has been creating for years’ on its borders.
He underscored that the ‘special military operation’ is aimed at protecting a population that the regime in Kiev ‘has been killing with impunity for many years with the blessing of its Western allies’.
During the 18th edition of the Kigali International Marathon; Carcarbaba, as a sponsor, utilized its T5 EVO Hybrid 2023 cars to lead the athletes on Sunday.
Last year in 2022, the company also employed the T5 EVO car to lead the race. Both the 2022 and 2023 models are manufactured by Dongfeng LIUZHOU Motor Corporation Ltd, a prominent Chinese state-owned enterprise.
John Mugabo, the Managing Director of Carcarbaba Ltd (Choice Africa Investment), a local car dealer specializing in Dongfeng Motor Ltd vehicles, emphasized the affordability and advanced technology of these hybrid cars.
“These cars are the finest automobiles manufactured by the Dongfeng factory in China. They are environmentally friendly, combining electric and fuel power through hybrid technology. Equipped with cutting-edge features, they provide an exceptional driving experience,” stated Mugabo.
“We are selling brand new 2023 cars at a reasonable price. I invite everyone to visit us and witness the magnificence of these cars firsthand, as their quality is truly indescribable. Furthermore, we have a modern garage managed by a technician from the factory to ensure proper maintenance of the vehicles,” added Mugabo.
Carcarbaba initiated car imports from Dongfeng Motor Ltd at the end of 2021, considering the affordability and suitability of the vehicles for the Rwandan market.
Mugabo emphasized the ease of owning a new car through their offerings. “Our prices are reasonable, and we provide installment payment options. We maintain ample stock so that customers can choose their desired color and type,” he explained. “When you purchase a car, you receive a three-year warranty, five years on the battery, a full year of free maintenance, and comprehensive insurance coverage,” Mugabo further added.
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While there are various car options available in the Rwandan market, Carcarbaba cars stand out due to their power and affordability, according to Mugabo.
“While other dealers may have cars that resemble ours, Carcarbaba distinguishes itself through its affordability and quality. Our prices are nearly half of what other dealers charge,” he highlighted.
He encouraged potential buyers to visit their showroom to test drive the cars and make informed decisions.
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John Mugabo, the Managing Director of Carcarbaba, reported high levels of customer satisfaction with the T5 EVO Hybrid 2023 cars.
“Our customers have been pleasantly surprised by the features of these cars. Chinese brands are becoming increasingly competitive, and we wanted to introduce these car brands to enhance our customers’ experience,” he remarked. “We have received a significant number of buyers, and our cars don’t stay in the store for long. The buyers are genuinely grateful,” Mugabo added.
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Carcarbaba provides comprehensive support for its customers. They have their own garage staffed with competent technicians who collaborate with an engineer from Dongfeng to address any technical issues.
The garage is located along ‘Poids Lourds’ road, near Sawa Citi, and the route to Kanogo. The facility operates seven days a week and can be identified by its yellow paint. Individuals seeking assistance or guidance can contact 6688 or 0788708280.
The T5 Evo Hybrid produced in 2023, represents a new generation of five-seater SUVs. It boasts several advanced features and an impressive fuel tank capacity of 55 liters when filled to its maximum.
The initial price of the T5 Evo Hybrid is set at US$540,000. However, there is currently a promotion in effect, offering customers a discount of US$5,000. As a result of this promotional offer, the price of the T5 Evo Hybrid is reduced to US$535,000.
The statement released on Monday indicated that Niyongira alias Kanyoni is accused of role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, was deported on Sunday 11th June 2023.
“Niyongira was the subject of an NPPA Indictment and International Arrest Warrant issued to the Republic of Malawi on April 15, 2019,” reads the statement in part.
The prosecution has charged Niyongira with the crime of genocide against the Tutsi community, committed in the former Ndora Commune, Butare Préfecture.
The NPPA has through the communiqué lauded the Malawian authorities for collaboration in the fight against impunity and applauded the successful deportation of Niyongira.
“Niyongira’s deportation is a significant step in the process of bringing genocide suspects to justice, particularly from African countries,” Faustin Nkusi, the Prosecution Spokesperson said in the statement.
Niyongira is the second genocide suspect to be deported to Rwanda from Malawi.
In January 2019, the southern African country transferred to Rwanda Vincent Murekezi, a wealthy businessman who had used his resources to evade justice for years.
Murekezi had been convicted of fraud by Malawian court, which sent him to Rwanda, through existing agreements between the two countries on exchange of prisoners, to complete his sentence and later tried for genocide crimes.
These individuals include 64 from Eritrea, 35 from Sudan, 15 from Somalia, 15 from Ethiopia, 2 from Cameroon, and 1 from Mali.
They will be temporarily hosted at the Gashora Transit Center, where other evacuees have been accommodated, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA).
The latest evacuation effort is a result of a collaborative initiative that commenced on January 10, 2019, involving the Rwandan government, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the African Union.
This partnership led to the establishment of an Emergency Transit Mechanism (ETM) with the primary goal of providing protection, assistance, and sustainable solutions for vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers trapped in Libya. By facilitating temporary evacuations to Rwanda, this mechanism enables these individuals to escape the precariousness of their situation.
Over the course of the past few years, Rwanda has opened its doors to more than 1,600 asylum seekers, offering them temporary refuge. Throughout this period, the UNHCR has worked tirelessly to identify suitable solutions for these individuals, which may involve their relocation to third countries, repatriation to their countries of origin, or even the possibility of remaining in Rwanda.
During the competition, the contestants demonstrated their love, passion, and dedication to learning Chinese language, culture, and art.
The event featured a series of captivating programs, including Kung Fu performances, Chinese song performances, drama skits, and speeches.
Officiating the event, Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Wang Xuekun said the Chinese language proficiency competition is an important bridge of communication, connecting China and Rwanda.
“Through the event, numerous Rwandan students have earned opportunities to visit China, see the country with their eyes, and walk on a different path of life,” he said, adding that the competition has also enabled Chinese teachers and communities to experience how enthusiastic Rwandan students are for the language.
The ambassador said the Chinese Bridge is a “bridge of friendship” because many of the winners have become goodwill ambassadors for China-Rwanda relations.
Wang commended the Confucius Institute and the University of Rwanda for hosting the event and for their extraordinary contributions to Chinese language education.
At the event, Florien Nsanganwimana, acting principal of the College of Education at the University of Rwanda, expressed his pride in the achievements of Rwandan students, saying through the Chinese Bridge competition, Rwandan students have honed their ability to speak the Chinese language and have developed a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and art, a great accomplishment that should be celebrated.
Nsanganwimana acknowledged the invaluable support provided by Chinese cooperation, particularly through the Chinese embassy, which helped mobilize Chinese teachers to support the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda.
“We will continue organizing this competition to strengthen the cooperation between Rwanda and China,” he said.”In the future, we aim to expand the program and reach even more students than we are currently reaching.”
“I am thrilled to have emerged as the winner of the Chinese Bridge competition in the university category. Over the past year, I have dedicated myself to learning the Chinese language, and I am incredibly proud of my achievement,” Delice Mbashimiyimana, a quantity surveying senior of the College of Science and Technology at the University of Rwanda, told Xinhua.
Mbashimiyimana emphasized that her proficiency in the Chinese language will unlock numerous opportunities for her, particularly in collaborating with Chinese companies, notably construction firms.
Liata Furaha Rachel, a winner in the secondary school category, concurred, pointing to the potential for her to work with Chinese companies in Rwanda and the possibility of pursuing higher education in China.
According to UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, in the latest attack on Monday, armed assailants carried out the assault in a displacement site in Ituri province, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 45 people, including children and women.
At least 12 people were burned alive as their shelters were set ablaze during the attack, the UNHCR said in a press release.
“UNHCR deplores in the strongest terms these heinous attacks against vulnerable civilian populations,” said Valentin Tapsoba, director of UNHCR’s Regional Bureau for Southern Africa.
The resurgence of violence in the region is deeply concerning and underscores the urgent need for sustained efforts to address the causes of conflict and promote lasting peace and stability, UNHCR stressed.
As set out in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG2), the journey towards food and nutritional security for Africa has a clear destination to achieve zero hunger. The target is to ensure access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food for all people by 2030. It is undeniable that technology, increasingly becoming a prerequisite, plays a vital role in this journey.
During the recent 8th Africa Agribusiness and Science Week (AASW) in Durban, South Africa, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, stressed the importance of leveraging partnerships and technologies to eradicate hunger in Africa. He highlighted the need to combine science, technology, and innovation to drive a more productive, efficient, and competitive agricultural system.
These observations make it clear that technology, among other solutions, can accelerate progress in achieving food sufficiency in African countries. With innovative approaches that help farmers adapt to climate change and proactively address challenges, African farmers can contribute to the continent’s ambition of achieving food sufficiency.
One of the critical players promising to drive this cause is PCS AGRI, a startup based in Morocco that is revolutionizing agriculture through its tomato yield prediction platform. Recognizing the need to overhaul the agricultural system in Africa, PCS AGRI has developed a yield estimation application that enables farmers to make informed decisions, improve yields, and mitigate losses.
The innovative technology was among solutions showcased on the sidelines of the recently concluded GITEX Africa Summit held in Marrakech, Morocco from 31st May to 2nd June 2023.
It brought together more than 900 tech companies, startups, government entities, and participants from over 100 countries.
Speaking to IGIHE, Tahar Hamdani, the CEO of PCS AGRI, disclosed that the idea emerged when they identified the challenges faced by farmers and developed the application nearly one year ago.
Working with farmers growing tomatoes on 2000 hectares, they have developed a platform that is currently being tested and has proven to be 80% accurate.
“We assist growers in accurately predicting their harvest yields and timing by leveraging a mobile application that solely requires the grower to capture videos. Through cloud-based processing, we are capable of distinguishing various colors in the fruit at present, with future prospects of also detecting the fruit’s caliber within the captured videos,” elaborated Tahar.
As he said, this platform provides growers with valuable insights into their harvests for the next two weeks, enabling them to plan their operations effectively, estimate labor requirements, and optimize packaging processes. The application is particularly valuable for Moroccan farmers exporting to European markets, where precise estimations are crucial.
Tahar believes that PCS AGRI’s solution is ideal for addressing common scenarios faced by growers.
“Our solution is currently in the demonstration and testing phase. We have achieved an impressive 80% accuracy thus far, with our ultimate goal set at 90% accuracy. We firmly believe that within the next one or two months, we will successfully attain this target,” he noted.
Tahar emphasized the importance of providing growers with effective solutions due to the challenges they face in their daily interactions with customers.
“They are communicating that I will give my clients 10 tons of products but they finally deliver only 7 tons and their customers are not happy. So, we need an accurate estimation to have win-win collaboration,” he stated.
Regarding the payment structure, Tahar revealed that every grower pays a yearly subscription fee for the application per hectare.
“We are testing it with three main growers in Morocco who cultivate tomatoes on 2000 hectares. After validation, it will be commercialized to more farmers,” he noted.
The introduction of similar innovations suggests that Africa can elevate its agricultural system and extend the technology to other crops, aligning with ongoing efforts to mitigate risks in agriculture.
Besides, the startup’s story can serves as an inspiration for many to continue innovating and contribute to the advancement of agriculture in Africa.
