The funding will be used to provide food, water and sanitation, healthcare services, cash assistance as well as psycho-social support to refugees, returnees, asylum-seekers, and third-country nationals from Sudan as well as their host communities in Egypt, the UN body said in a statement.
Since the conflicts in Sudan erupted on April 15, Egypt has received the largest number of Sudanese refugees, the statement said, adding that over 113,000 people arrived cross the Egyptian-Sudanese borders as of May 17, and the number keeps climbing with around 5,000 arrivals per day.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimated that a total of 350,000 people would enter Egypt from Sudan in the next six months.
In addition to 5 million dollars for Egypt, CERF also provided a total of 17 million dollars to other neighboring countries of Sudan, including Chad, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan.
The imports include 150,000 calves and 20,000 sheep, the ministry said, adding that in which 45,000 will be slaughtered immediately, and the remaining 105,000 will be fattened.
The measure aims to provide sufficient meat at reasonable prices for Eid al-Adha, one of the most important holidays for Muslims, Egypt’s Agriculture Minister Al-Said Al-Qusair said in the statement.
Al-Qusair added that the Egyptian government is working to release fodder for cattle and poultry in ports to lower their prices in the market.
As Eid al-Adha is six weeks away, Egypt is witnessing record-high meat prices, with the price for beef reaching 400 Egyptian pounds per kilogram (about 13 U.S. dollars) in some stores.
This year’s Eid al-Adha is expected to be celebrated on June 28.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Environment in Rwanda’s capital of Kigali, featured discussions about the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted by countries last December as part of efforts to halt and reverse nature loss.
Speaking at the event, Rwandan Minister of Environment Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya said the country’s development agenda recognizes the central role that biodiversity plays in terms of supporting national economic growth. “We cannot develop our nation unless we put the environment at the heart of everything we do.”
The minister warned against cutting down trees. “We need to reverse this trend, and educate future generations to understand the importance of biodiversity in everything we do for a brighter future,” she said.
The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) highlighted that Rwanda’s biodiversity plays a critical role in ecosystem services such as ensuring water provision, air for breathing, controlling soil erosion and flooding, as well as climate change mitigation.
“Biodiversity is part of our lives. Growing up, I was surrounded by nature and this helped build my passion for protecting the environment and understand the importance of biodiversity. I encourage us all to reconnect with nature and prioritize biodiversity,” Juliet Kabera, director general of REMA, told an audience of stakeholders of Rwanda’s climate, environment and natural resources sectors.
The International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated this year under the theme “From agreement to action: Build Back Biodiversity” to remind nations that biodiversity is essential to ecosystem function and services delivery.
On the first day on Monday, May 22, the campaign was conducted in 122 primary and secondary schools in different parts of the country.
In City of Kigali, the campaign was conducted in 20 schools, 36 in the Eastern Province, 30 in Northern Province, and 29 schools in Southern and Western provinces.
The RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, said that targeting schools is deliberate to instill a culture of safer road usage among the most vulnerable group.
Road crashes are the leading cause of death among people aged between 5 and 29 years, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The WHO suggests that more than 1.35 million people die in road crashes globally, every year. Over 650 fatalities and 4000 injuries were recorded in Rwanda, last year.
CP Kabera said: “Young people and school going children in particular, constitute one of the most at risk age group. We have had fatal incidents involving students, either due to the recklessness of motorists or children playing in the middle of road and other careless practices.
This campaign will be extended to all primary, secondary and tertiary institutions to make road safety a choice and ultimately a culture.”
The campaign will also include establishing road safety clubs in schools.
{{Road safety tips for students}}
-* Never run or play on the road.
-* Children should only go on road under the care of a responsible person holding his or her hand.
-* Practice Safety in Moving Vehicles: Never stand or walk through a moving vehicle; never put hands or head outside through the window; always wear a seatbelt.
-* Always use sidewalks
-* Use zebra crossing where they exist
-* When crossing the road, check that vehicles have stopped to give way to cross. Never cross while running instead walk faster.
-* Before crossing, stop at the edge of the road, look right, left, right again and listen for any vehicles approaching you.
-* When you cross at traffic lights, check when the figure of a person turns green then cross as fast as the figure of a person in the light shows.
-* At pedestrian controlled traffic light, press the button, wait for the green light to turn on and for the vehicles to stop; then cross.
-* Walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic.
{{Respecting fast lane}}
Meanwhile, the campaign in schools kicked off alongside awareness on use of passing lane also known as fast lane.
It is meant to educate motorists to respect the fast lane especially at duo or multilane roadway, used by fast-moving vehicles when passing slower traffic, to ensure smooth traffic flow.
Upon arrival in the country on Monday evening, the Head of State was received by Akbar Al-Baker the Group CEO of Qatar Airways.
The forum to be chaired by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will begin on 23rd May 2023.
This year’s Forum will bring together around 2000 participants including Heads of State and Government, CEO’s of international institutions, leading global investors and other stakeholders for discussions focused on the latest economic trends including the major shift in the existing economic order, highlighting the rising South-to-South economy and the new growth opportunities it presents to the global business community.
On the morning of Tuesday, 23 May, President Kagame will participate in a live interview with Jennifer Zabassaja, Chief Africa Correspondent for Bloomberg TV.
Their conversation will cover current global economic realities including inflation management, shifting geopolitics, energy security, artificial intelligence and more.
Established in 2012, the RCOA aims to bolster ongoing efforts in cementing ties between Rwanda and China while fostering collaboration and solidarity among Chinese alumni. The organization’s activities include fundraising initiatives to support vulnerable populations.
During the event, Amb. Wang emphasized that the achievements of the organization reflect the fruitful outcomes of China-Rwanda cooperation in people-to-people exchanges, underscoring the growing energy behind China-Rwanda friendship. He quoted the saying, “If you want to go far, walk together,” noting its relevance to both bilateral relations and the RCOA.
Amb. Wang also highlighted that exchanges between China and Rwanda are swiftly resuming in the post-COVID recovery period. To expedite progress, he proposed three key areas that require significant attention, building upon past accomplishments.
Firstly, Amb. Wang requested the RCOA to strengthen its internal connections and organization.
With a multitude of highly talented members, he expressed his hope for increased participation in daily activities and the contribution of their expertise and strengths to the group.
Secondly, he emphasized the importance of the RCOA playing a more prominent role in connecting China and Rwanda.
Recognizing the valuable assistance provided by many members to individuals traveling between the two countries, he believes that collectively, they can raise public awareness of the organization and transform it into an exceptional platform for both communities.
As an example, this year, the Embassy and the Organization are planning to host a job fair that will generate additional opportunities for people.
Thirdly, Amb. Wang urged RCOA members to share more inspirations and suggestions regarding China-Rwanda relations. As accomplished individuals in their respective fields, they possess extensive knowledge about both countries. According to him, their unique position allows them to offer fresh ideas on how China and Rwanda can collaborate and forge a better future for both nations. He expressed the hope of hearing more from them.
Amb. Wang reaffirmed that China warmly welcomes RCOA members as their second home and stressed the need for further engagement and collaboration for the betterment of both peoples.
Théoneste Higaniro, the head of RCOA, emphasized that studying in China provides an opportunity to gain knowledge and learn from best practices. Janet Umuhoza, who holds a Master’s degree in Meteorology obtained in China, also highlighted that alumni can fully leverage their skills to make a meaningful impact on society.
Marie Elise Umulisa, representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that China-Rwanda cooperation is essential to support national ambitions in building a knowledge-based economy, as outlined in Agenda 2050.
Agriculture emerges as the leading sector in terms of employment. The Labour Force Survey indicates that 1.7 million individuals, comprising 46.3% of the employed population, are engaged in agricultural activities. This figure is relatively high, as the country aims to reduce the proportion of agriculture-related employment to 30%.
The second most prominent economic activity is wholesale and retail trade, along with the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles. This sector employs 492,726 individuals, representing 13% of the employed population.
The real estate sector also contributes significantly to employment opportunities. In February 2023, the sector employed 307,229 people, accounting for 8.1% of the employed population.
According to figures from the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), real estate accounted for 67.8% of development projects, playing a critical role in the country’s economic recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Transportation employs 203,586 individuals, equivalent to 5.4% of the employed population, while industry provides employment to 195,191 individuals, accounting for 5.1% of the total.
Other notable sectors include activities of households, employing 147,074 individuals (3.9%); education, employing 144,661 individuals (3.8%); accommodation and food service activities, employing 110,540 individuals (2.9%); as well as governance and the mining sector, which account for 2.7% and 1.1% of employment, respectively.
As per the Labour Force Survey, in February 2023, the working-age population (16 years and above) was approximately 8 million, with 3,803,942 individuals employed, 792,115 unemployed, and 3,380,192 individuals out of the labor force.
The sum of the employed and unemployed populations gives a total labor force of 4,596,057 individuals.
Rwanda’s Presidency has revealed that the students shared lessons learned from the Peace and Values Education course at the Kigali Genocide Memorial and asked the President about leadership, reconciliation and Rwanda’s transformational journey after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Kagame is among leaders that often deliver talks to students from USA where he shares Rwanda’s resilience journey after Genocide against the Tutsi, serving as a source of inspiration and motivation for others who seek to overcome challenges and create positive change.
On Monday 15th May 2023, the Head of State also hosted students from Harvard Business School at Urugwiro Village where he emphasized the importance of resilience and finding a way up, even in the face of adversity.
Reflecting on Rwanda’s remarkable transformation after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, he attributed the country’s success to its refusal to remain mired in darkness.
As he interacted with the students on Monday, Kagame also highlighted that working with people has been the key enabler for Rwanda to achieve current transformations after Genocide against the Tutsi.
The pilgrimage aimed to pay homage to Saint Andrew Kaggwa, the patron saint of catechists, teachers, and families, who was martyred on May 26th, 1886, at Munyonyo in Kampala, Uganda.
Catechists from all the dioceses of Rwanda participated in the pilgrimage to the martyrs’ sites.
Sr. Uwamariya Genevieve, the Director of Rwanda’s National Catechetical Office, highlighted the significance of the pilgrimage for the catechists. She emphasized that it provided an opportunity for them to deepen their understanding of Saint Andrew Kaggwa, who served as a dedicated catechist, and to learn about the unwavering faith of the martyrs, even to the point of sacrificing their lives.
{{Following in the Footsteps of the Martyrs}}
On the first day of the pilgrimage, the catechists visited the sites associated with the martyrs who were killed at the King’s palace on the orders of Mwanga II, the Kabaka (King) of Buganda. The visit included a stop at the location of Denis Ssebuggwawo’s martyrdom, recognized as the first of the Ugandan Martyrs. The catechists then proceeded to retrace the Way of the Cross, which the martyrs followed, leading to the main shrine in Namugongo.
Prior to visiting the sites where other martyrs, such as Pontian Ngondwe, Jean-Marie Muzei, Mathias Mulumba, and others, were killed, the Rwandan catechists spent time at the Minor Basilica of Munyonyo. This basilica holds historical significance as the place where their patron saint, Andrew Kaggwa, was martyred. It was within the courtyard of this basilica that he taught catechism to converts.
As part of their pilgrimage, Cardinal Kambanda presided over a Eucharistic celebration for the catechists at the Basilica of Munyonyo. In his homily, the Cardinal commended the courage of the Ugandan Martyrs, who selflessly sacrificed their lives for their loved ones, resembling the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. He encouraged the catechists to draw inspiration from the martyrs’ bravery and love for Christ.
{{Passing on the Faith and Witnessing the Gospel}}
During the pilgrimage, Cardinal Kambanda shared in-depth insights into the life of Saint Andrew Kaggwa, displaying his familiarity with the saint’s story. He urged the catechists to uphold the faith they profess and teach it to others.
In their closing remarks, the catechists expressed their gratitude for the pilgrimage experience and extended their appreciation to Cardinal Kambanda for accompanying them.
Rwanda’s historical ties with Uganda date back to the arrival of missionaries, including Bishop John Joseph Hirth, who initially visited Uganda before proceeding to Tanzania and Rwanda. Hirth is often regarded as the founder of the Church in Rwanda.
“The armed forces announce their commitment to the agreement and hope the RSF will abide by what it says,” the Sudanese army spokesman said in a statement.
“The duration of the short-term cease-fire is seven days and will enter into force on Monday at 9:45 p.m. local time (1945 GMT),” the statement said.
On Saturday night, the Sudanese Army and the RSF signed the cease-fire deal under Saudi-U.S. patronage.
Under the deal, each party shall implement the agreement in full and ensure that all forces under their command and control observe it at all times and in full.
According to the deal, the parties shall guarantee the freedom of movement of civilians throughout the country and protect civilians from violence, harassment, recruitment, or other abuse, as well as refrain from any violations of international human rights law.
The parties shall also provide security guarantees for safe, unhindered access by humanitarian agencies.
The agreement does not touch on the discussion of political situation, according to the statement.
Sudan has been witnessing deadly armed clashes between the Sudanese Army and the RSF in the capital Khartoum and other areas since April 15.
