The murder of Ndamyimana was first reported on April 19, 2024, when he was fatally stabbed late at night while returning home. Initially, the perpetrators were unknown, but the police swiftly began an investigation targeting suspects.
ACP Boniface Rutikanga, spokesperson for the National Police, has told IGIHE that the investigation led to the arrest of two individuals who were part of a group known for engaging in theft across the sectors of Gisozi, Muhima, and Kacyiru using sharp objects. As he disclosed; one lived in Kinamba, and the other resided in Gasanze, planning their thefts from Kinamba.
The suspects had previously been incarcerated at various times either in detention centers for vagrants or in prison. According to police, one of the suspects was serving a suspended sentence for assault and battery.
On the morning of Friday, as they were being taken to point out the residences of their accomplices, they attempted to flee in different directions, which appeared premeditated. Police officers at the scene responded by shooting them dead.
Preliminary investigations suggest that these individuals were committed to living off criminal activities.
The police spokesperson warned those engaged in such activities that security forces would vigorously combat them, stating, “Those involved in such acts must understand that there is no place for theft, and the cruelty of taking lives will not be tolerated at all. Police are actively searching for any others involved, wherever they may be. Our advice is for them to cease these criminal activities.”
Winnie Harlow, a Canadian supermodel with vitiligo, has transformed her skin condition into a powerful narrative of resilience and acceptance, inspiring many around the world. In Rwanda, the singer Confiance Munyaneza, known as ‘Jowana,’ represents a local voice of courage and positivity, showing that vitiligo does not define one’s abilities or self-worth.
{{Medical insights into Vitiligo}}
According to Francoise Gahongayire, a dermatologist at King Faisal Hospital, Kigali, vitiligo occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, are destroyed. “Vitiligo is not just about visible patches; it’s about understanding an autoimmune process where the body mistakenly attacks its pigment cells,” she explains.
Jean-Chrysostome Kagimbana, Director of Medical Services at Rwanda Military Hospital, adds, “Treatment varies with each individual and while some treatments can restore color, there are cases where the pigment loss is permanent, especially when it affects smaller, specific areas.”
{{Symptoms and impact}}
Vitiligo typically presents as milky-white patches on the skin, commonly affecting hands, feet, arms, and face, though it can appear anywhere. The condition can also lead to white hair on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair. Beyond physical symptoms, vitiligo can profoundly affect psychological well-being, causing low self-esteem and social anxiety.
{{Causes}}
Researchers believe that vitiligo may be triggered by factors such as sunburn, stress, or exposure to certain chemicals, which can either initiate or exacerbate the condition. A genetic predisposition may also play a role, as those with a family history of vitiligo are at higher risk of developing the disorder.
{{Empowering through awareness}}
The stories of individuals like Winnie Harlow and Confiance Munyaneza are vital in empowering others and combating the stigma associated with vitiligo. Their experiences underline the importance of visibility and acceptance in media and popular culture, which can significantly influence public perception and self-esteem.
In Rwanda, the Anti Vitiligo Foundation has been instrumental in changing perceptions and providing support to those affected. This organization works closely with the Ministry of Health and local healthcare providers to offer education, support, and treatment options. Their efforts include extensive awareness campaigns involving local media and the distribution of educational materials.
Through their work and the increasing visibility of vitiligo in the public eye, we can hope for a future where vitiligo is not seen as a limitation but as a unique aspect of human diversity.
Article 19 of the RMDC’s regulations mandates the Council to develop methods for evaluating medical practitioners to broaden their knowledge and improve practical skills. The Council is also empowered to issue and revoke licenses and to penalize for professional misconduct.
At the 17th leadership summit, health authorities were encouraged to implement a comprehensive training program for healthcare workers, extending from their initial training through to retirement, and to boost their involvement in medical research. The RMDC has taken the lead by organizing ongoing training sessions, practical experience opportunities, and knowledge exchange for healthcare workers at all levels.
On Thursday, May 25, 2024, the RMDC hosted a meeting in Bugesera District with leaders from major medical and professional associations to introduce the new educational program. This program includes fundamental medical principles such as ethics, patient confidentiality, and professional conduct.
Col. Dr. Afrika Gasana Guido, Chairperson and Spokesperson of the RMDC, highlighted the importance of active participation in the program to improve medical practices, minimize errors, and promote patient involvement in disease prevention. He also emphasized the necessity for healthcare providers to engage with these resources, available on the RMDC’s website, to meet annual licensing requirements.
Furthermore, Col. Dr. Guido appealed to Rwandan medical schools to integrate medical ethics into their curricula, citing the importance of foundational knowledge for producing competent practitioners.
The educational content is supplemented by courses on how to document extraordinary patient survival cases. The rollout of these guidelines has sparked discussions among healthcare providers and stakeholders, who have expressed support and suggested ongoing collaboration to further advance medical education. The Council also plans to engage hospital administrators in dialogues about hospital regulations and training in medical standards and patient care.
Ariel Wayz recently gave her followers a sneak peek of her upcoming song on Instagram, where she addresses a former boyfriend who is attempting to rekindle their past relationship. She uses the song to remind him of the hurt he inflicted and makes it clear she’s not open to restarting their romance.
On Instagram, she told her followers that the song was inspired by her ex, who had shown interest in getting back together. She encouraged those who have faced similar situations to share the song with their past partners. Ariel said, “I wrote this song because my ex wanted to get back together, send it to your ex if you’ve been affected too.”
In the lyrics, Ariel recalls her efforts to sustain their relationship, expressing, “You said you needed love, I gave it; you said you needed space, I gave it; you asked for a lot, I did it. Many people I met showed me I was on the wrong path, but you gave me reasons I should have trusted.”
She also suggests that she might have moved on with someone else, declaring, “Why do you keep trying to come back? You played with me night and day, I don’t want to play your games anymore, you betrayed me but I am blessed. I don’t want to play those games again, what you did to me, I know it, I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, I gave you everything, forgive me I have moved on, I am taken now!”
This song emerges amid speculations that Ariel had ended her relationship with Juno Kizigenza, her previous boyfriend, which has led some to believe that he might be the target of her pointed lyrics.
Among the modifications outlined in the legislation are the establishment of Deputy Service Chiefs within the RDF hierarchy, with the Chief of Defence Staff having a designated Deputy, alongside the Army Chief of Staff Commander and the Commander of Military Health Service.
Comprising 38 articles, the law underscores the alterations within the Rwandan Armed Forces.
During the presentation of the draft Law to the General Assembly of Deputies on March 14, 2024, Minister of Defense Juvénal Marizamunda emphasized that these reforms are geared towards enhancing RDF management to better fulfill its security obligations.
Marizamunda clarified that the Rwandan Army traditionally consisted of three services: Army, Air Force, and Reserve. However, under the new law, a Health service unit will be added, with its own designated commander.
Previously, the Rwandan Army was overseen by the Chief of Defence Staff with separate Commanders for the Ground Forces and the Air Force.
The Minister explained to lawmakers that the rationale behind increasing the number of army leaders stems from the diverse activities the Rwandan army engages in globally, aligning the reforms with prevailing security conditions both domestically and internationally.
Furthermore, the law dictates the transfer of the Department of International Military Relations and Cooperation from the RDF to the Ministry of Defense.
In new appointments announced on Thursday, May 2, President Ruto promoted Lieutenant Gen Charles Muriu Kahariri of the Kenya Navy to the rank of General and named him the country’s new military chief.
CDF Ogolla, 61, and his colleagues died after a military helicopter they were travelling in crashed at the Sindar area in Elgeyo Marakwet County on April 18.
The investigation into the deadly crash, led by officers from the Kenya Air Force, is ongoing.
In Kenya, the position of CDF rotates among the Kenya Army, Kenya Navy, and Kenya Air Force. This rotation is in accordance with rules established by the retired Chief of General Staff (CGS), Daudi Rerimoi Tonje.
The late General Ogolla came from the Air Force. He succeeded General Robert Kibochi, who was from the Kenya Army. General Kibochi, who retired after 44 years in the military, had taken over from General Samson Mwathethe of the Navy.
{{Further military changes in Kenya
}}
In the Thursday changes, the Kenyan Head of State also promoted Major General John Mugaraval Omenda to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed him Vice Chief of the Defence Forces. Until his appointment, Lieutenant General John Mugaraval Omenda served as Kenya Air Force Commander.
Further, President Ruto posted Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed to Kenya Air Force and appointed her Commander. Similarly, Major General Paul Owuor Otieno has been posted to the Kenya Navy and appointed Commander.
Further, President Ruto upheld the Defence Council recommendations and made promotions, postings and appointments of KDF officers.
Major General Thomas Njoroge Ng’ang’a has been posted to National Defence University and appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration and Finance while Brigadier Peter Nyamu Githinji has been promoted to Major General and appointed Senior Directing Staff, Air at National Defence College.
Brigadier Jattani Kampare Gula has been promoted to Major General and appointed Managing Director Kenya Meat Commission.
Brigadier George Okumu was also promoted to Major General and appointed Managing
Director Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation and Food Processing Factory.
The changes also saw Brigadier Samuel Kosgei Kipkorir named the new Deputy Commander Kenya Air Force.
While the perception of foreigners visiting the country has always been centered around leisure, tourism, and enchanting trips to gorilla sites, it’s interesting to note that more than half of the foreigners who visited Rwanda in 2023 (51.1%) did so for business purposes.
The growth can also be linked to a significant number of foreign investments registered in Rwanda, which also grew by 50 per cent to hit $2.4 billion (RWF 3 trillion) in 2023. These investments are projected to create more than 40,000 jobs in the next five years, according to the Rwanda Development Board.
The latest statistics from RDB show that 22.2 per cent of persons who entered Rwanda in 2023 were in transit to various destinations worldwide.
Another 11.2 per cent of the foreigners visited Rwanda for holiday and recreational purposes, with the majority of this number comprising 25,927 gorilla visitors.
Notably, the number of gorilla visitors in 2023 marked a 29.4 per cent increase from 2022, the highest number of gorilla visitors recorded in Rwanda’s history.
Gorilla tourism is a major revenue earner for Rwanda, with tourists paying at least US $1500 per person to see gorillas in the country. This fee covers the gorilla trekking permit, which grants access to the park and the gorillas.
Rwanda netted $620 million (RWF 793 billion) in tourism revenue in 2023, representing a 36 per cent growth compared to 2022.
Meanwhile, 6 per cent of the foreigners who visited Rwanda in 2023 were in the country for official missions, while 3.9 per cent of the visitors were there to attend conferences and other international forums.
Another 3.7 per cent of the visitors were in Rwanda for unspecified reasons, 1.3 per cent for education purposes, and 0.6 per cent were in the country for medical reasons.
This occurred after fierce fighting in which the Congolese government forces clashed with M23 fighters in areas including Rutigita, about five kilometers from the commercial center of Rubaya, starting at twelve in the morning on April 30, 2024.
M23 fighters have since blocked roads linking this area to others including Kibabi, aiming to cut off routes for their adversaries trying to resume attacks. Some members of the Congolese government coalition had fled, but others were encircled, including those killed in this fighting.
On the morning of May 1, 2024, in the hills surrounding the commercial center of Rubaya, there was fighting between the Congolese government forces and M23 fighters. The goal was to push back the group, but it was unsuccessful.
Previously, the Rubaya mines were controlled by the Bisunzu Mining Company (SMB) of businessman Edouard Mwangachuchu, but he was stripped of control when he was charged with crimes including treason.
The DRC government handed control of the mines to the Wazalendo and FDLR groups, based on an agreement to fight M23, further bolstered by the inclusion of Burundian forces since their entry into the conflict in 2023.
Reliable sources indicate that since the Burundian forces took over these mines, the coltan mined there was transported to Bujumbura; this was based on an agreement between the two countries.
Some Congolese criticize the takeover of Rubaya, pointing out that it resulted from a mistake by the DRC government, which gave M23 the opportunity to prepare to capture more areas, adding to the many it already controls in North Kivu.
The Permanent Secretary at MINEMA, Philippe Habinshuti, stated that some were killed by landslides while others died due to lightning strikes.
The most recent victims were from the Rutsiro district, killed by landslides after heavy rainfall on the night leading to Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
Additionally, in the Gasabo district, a woman and her child were killed when their house collapsed due to the weekend’s heavy rains.
These rains have also damaged infrastructure, including buildings, roads, crops, and other property across different regions of the country.
Habinshuti mentioned that assessments are ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage caused by these disasters.
The National Meteorological Agency, Meteo Rwanda, has recently forecasted that heavy rainfall will continue across all parts of Rwanda in the first ten days of May 2024.
The Rwandan government has been urging residents living in high-risk areas to relocate.
Christine Niyotwambaza, the Director in charge of disaster-prone areas at MINEMA, reported that 4768 families have been relocated, noting that up to 8300 families are in locations deemed risky for their safety.
Currently, the heavy rains are particularly affecting the Northern, Western, and Southern provinces, indicating that 326 areas are at risk of disasters due to the ongoing heavy rainfall.
Rwanda Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente made the commitment on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, during the official opening of the 5th edition of the International Network for Governmental Science Advice Conference at the Kigali Convention Centre.
“Our Government has accepted to support the establishment of a regional unit of the International Network for Governmental Science Advice currently hosted by the University of Rwanda,” Ngirente stated.
“It is expected that this unit will expand its operations to support the creation of functional networks at a regional level and serve as a hub for capacity development for Africa,” he added.
The conference brings together policymakers, practitioners, national academies, scientific societies, and researchers to share experiences, build capacities, and develop theoretical and practical approaches to the use of scientific evidence in informing policy at all levels of government.
INGSA research and training hub was established in the University of Rwanda in 2022. The government’s support is expected to spur its development and expansion to greater heights.
In his speech, the prime minister emphasized that the government recognizes the significance of science, technology, and innovation in all sectors as crucial drivers for promoting social welfare and sustainable development in the country, in line with the vision to become a high-income nation by 2050.
“Aligned with our Vision 2050, science is expected to play a key role in Rwanda’s journey towards becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2035 and a high-income country by 2050, ensuring high standards of living for all Rwandans,” he stated.
As part of efforts to build a knowledge-based economy, the Prime Minister asserted that the government has made huge investments at all levels of education, from primary and secondary education to tertiary institutions of learning.
“Our goal is to develop our human capital by providing comprehensive trainings in different fields of science. Through this approach, we prepare our workforce with the necessary skills to meet the demands of both private and public labor markets,” the prime minister noted.
“The Government of Rwanda has established the institutional arrangement that is needed to create an environment conducive for science development and innovation. This in turn translates into new technologies needed to support the economic growth of the country.”
He reiterated that science advice is critical in policy and decision-making efforts to address the world’s pressing challenges and called for collaborative efforts to increase the capability and resilience of global science advisory organizations and national systems such as INGSA.
“To achieve this, collaborative efforts are essential. We must foster synergy across all levels of governance, ensuring better coordination between our systems. By doing so, we pave the way for effective decision-making,” he concluded.
The 5th edition of the International Network for Governmental Science Advice Conference, themed ‘The Transformation Imperative – Expanded Evidence for Inclusive Policies in Diverse Contexts,’ has attracted delegates from more than 50 countries.
It’s the first time that Africa is hosting the high-level conference, previously held in Brussels, Belgium; Tokyo, Japan; Montreal, Canada; and Auckland, New Zealand.
Rémi Quirion, the President of INGSA and Chief Scientist of Québec, termed the conference as unique moment for not just the African continent but the Global South.
“The first meetings in New Zealand, Montreal, Tokyo, and Brussels were more about talking with people from the North. What is unique here, for the first time in the Global South, for the first time in Africa, learning from African colleagues, learning from the experts in Rwanda in terms of science advice, that is one of the main objectives of this meeting. But also, we want to connect with our colleagues from the Global South. The African colleagues learning from the ones in Asia, and ones from Latin America, and so on,” Quirion stated.
He also lauded Rwanda’s young generation as a great resource in national and economic development, insisting on the need to empower them.
“One of the strengths in Rwanda is its young generation, more so than what we see in North America and Europe. It’s a natural resource. It’s amazing. But we need to make sure that they have access to education. If they are interested in science advice, science diplomacy, or research, they can pursue these fields and have good jobs in academia or other industries,” he said.
On his part, the Minister for Education, Gaspard Twagirayezu, said Rwanda is excited to host the conference and reiterated the need to maintain the network and strengthen the hub in Rwanda.
“The conference holds significance for us. As a government, we want to build an advanced economy by 2050, and this will happen based on the quality of our human capital, with science and technology at the base of everything that we do. This means we value science advice in government policy, and we are even more excited about how we are going to strengthen our hub here in Rwanda,” the minister averred.
