State House Spokesperson, Hussein Mohamed confirmed the meeting in a post on X on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
“President William Ruto has convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council at State House Nairobi this evening following a Kenya Defence Forces’ helicopter crash this afternoon in Elgeyo-Marakwet County,” Mohamed confirmed.
Police say at least five people died after the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) helicopter crashed and caught fire at the Kaben-Cheptulel border between Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties on Thursday afternoon.
The CDF was accompanying seven other military personnel on a trip to Kenya’s North Rift region. The cause of the crash is yet to be established.
Gen. Ogolla was sworn in as Kenya’s military boss on April 29, 2023.
He took over the CDF mantle from Gen. Robert Kibochi whose term ended after 44 years in the military.
Prior to assuming the CDF role, Ogolla served as the Commander of the Air Force and Vice Chief of Defence Forces.
According to the United Kingdom-based research firm, Kigali retained its sixth position in the 2024 rankings, the same as Cape Town, which was named the airport with the best staff in the continent.
Durban’s King Shaka Airport, situated in South Africa, recorded an improvement to emerge as the second airport with the best staff in 2024, having finished third in the 2023 rankings.
Mauritius dropped to third place, while Casablanca in Morocco retained the fourth position.
Additionally, Seychelles, which was ranked seventh last year, recorded a remarkable improvement to be ranked among the top five airports with the best staff in the region.
Marrakesh Menara Airport in Morocco and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi took the seventh and eighth positions, while Addis Ababa Bole International Airport in Ethiopia and Morocco’s Rabat were ranked ninth and tenth, respectively.
Skytrax said the rankings are based on customer feedback and take into consideration the combined quality of staff service, including attitude, friendliness, and efficiency, delivered across front-line positions at an airport.
Narita International Airport in Japan won the top award for the World’s Best Airport Staff service in 2024, ranking ahead of Munich Airport (Germany) and Incheon International Airport (South Korea), which were ranked second and third, respectively.
Kigali shines
This is not the first time Kigali International Airport has been recognised for its exemplary service.
Last year, Skytrax recognized Kigali as the third best regional airport and the fifth cleanest airport in Africa.
Formerly known as Kanombe International Airport, Kigali is the main airport in Rwanda located in the capital Kigali.
The government is currently building another mega-airport in Bugesera District, Eastern Province, which will be the biggest and the main air gateway for all destinations in the East African country.
The new airport situated about 40 kilometers south of Kigali is expected to be completed by late 2026, at an estimated cost of $2 billion (RWF 2.6 trillion).
The Lords have insisted on amendments to the Bill that declare Rwanda a safe country, despite the members of the House of Commons overturning proposals put forth in the Bill on Tuesday.
Some of the amendments the peers are pushing for include the exemption of agents, allies, and employees of the UK overseas, including Afghans who served alongside British soldiers, from the scheme and the condition that Rwanda would not be declared safe until a report is completed.
They are also seeking amendments to ensure that the Bill complies with domestic and international law, including human rights and modern slavery legislation, and to ensure that the scheme allows appeals based on safety.
The MPs are now expected to vote on the peers proposals next week on Monday.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had hoped that the Bill would be passed on Wednesday to pave the way for the first flight to depart to Rwanda.
The Labour party, accused by Sunak of derailing the scheme, had opposed rushing it, stating that flights should not take off until a committee of experts, set up to monitor the scheme, determines that Rwanda has fulfilled certain safety standards.
The scheme, first announced in April 2022 by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government following a deal with Rwandan authorities, seeks to act as a deterrent to persons arriving in the UK on small boats across the English Channel.
The Bill was introduced to Parliament after the UK Supreme Court ruled that the government’s scheme was unlawful.
The judges argued that genuine refugees being removed to Rwanda faced the risk of being returned to their home countries, where they could face harm.
Initially founded as the Marxist Communist School in Ruijin, Jiangxi, in March 1933, the academy has experienced numerous evolutions, mirroring the ever-changing political landscape of China. By 1935, during the historic Long March north, it was renamed the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.
Following a period of dormancy during the Cultural Revolution, the school not only recovered but also broadened its educational reach and influence, culminating in its renaming in 1994 as the National School of Administration.
A major organizational transformation occurred in 2018 when the Central Committee of the Party merged the functions of the Central Party School and the National School of Administration.
This merger was a strategic move intended to unify the training of China’s civil servants and policy analysts within a single framework. Presently, the academy operates as a dual facility—functioning both as a traditional party school and a contemporary administration school, thereby preserving its historical significance while addressing modern governance challenges.
The primary mission of the academy is multi-dimensional. It acts as the chief venue for training provincial and ministerial-level leaders, executives of major state enterprises, and university presidents, among others. Its curriculum is expansive, covering Marxist-Leninist theory, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the “Three Represents,” the Scientific Outlook on Development, and notably, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.
On March 1, 2023, during the 90th anniversary celebrations of the Central Party School, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized the institution’s foundational goal—to educate and serve the Party, playing a crucial advisory role in national governance. His address highlighted the school’s ongoing dedication to ideological education, theoretical research, and the broader goals of Party development.
During a press conference on April 15, 2024, the academy’s Vice President responsible for daily operations, Xie Chuntao, accentuated its function as a think tank and its international influence, noting engagements with foreign dignitaries eager to gain insights from China’s governance model.
Chuntao emphasized the significance of effective governance and China’s advancements in fostering a strong governance framework marked by consultative democracy and judicial reforms to improve accountability.
Notable legislative advancements, such as the elimination of agricultural taxes in 2016, demonstrate the tangible impact of the academy’s training programs on policy formulation. The academy also promotes inclusion and representation within China’s legislature, ensuring that a variety of perspectives are considered and that governance remains attuned to the populace’s needs.
China’s advancements in regional autonomy and ethnic integration, guided by President Xi Jinping, further highlight the successful governance strategies derived from the Party School’s teachings.
This comprehensive approach to governance ensures that all 56 officially recognized ethnic groups in China support one another in creating a diverse yet cohesive economic and social framework.
The influence of the Party School extends beyond China’s borders, with its initiatives under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) enhancing international cooperation and creating development opportunities for numerous participating countries.
The BRI has become a pivotal element of global economic collaboration, involving 151 countries and encompassing nearly 75% of the global population. By 2040, it is projected to increase global GDP by $7.1 trillion annually, substantially improving international trade by addressing infrastructural deficits.
More than 50 African nations have benefited from Chinese-led projects, including the construction or enhancement of over 10,000 kilometers of railways, nearly 100,000 kilometers of roads, about 1,000 bridges, and 100 ports, leading to better infrastructure, reduced unemployment, and expanded trade opportunities.
China’s governance strides are also mirrored in its economic performance. In 2023, China recorded a GDP growth of 5.2 percent, reaching a total of 126 trillion yuan (approximately $17.67 trillion), reaffirming its position as a major global economic powerhouse.
With more than 98 million members and growing, the Communist Party of China continues to steer the nation under the steadfast leadership of President Xi Jinping, with the ambition to exceed 100 million members.
The Party School, at the core of this monumental effort, remains steadfast in its founding mission, adapting to the needs of a new era and contributing to the creation of a modern socialist country and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
To share with the world the events of the genocide and honor the over one million victims who perished, she authored a book titled ‘Don’t Accept To Die’.
The book encompasses various sections, detailing life before the genocide, the onset of the atrocities, the execution of the genocide, and the targeted killing of the Tutsis.
Moreover, she reflects on the aftermath in the book, exploring how survivors coped, rebuilt their lives, and the ongoing challenges the country faced.
“In the book’s second section about the Genocide against the Tutsi, I depict how we, as residents, witnessed its planning yet felt helpless to intervene. It covers the genesis and execution of the genocide, culminating in a recount of my personal ordeal,” she noted.
In her writings, Mukanyiligira revisits the harrowing experiences she endured during the Genocide, including how she concealed herself, narrowly escaped assassination, and ultimately survived. She recounts her encounters with the Inkotanyi and their role in liberating the country.
Even after surviving the Genocide against the Tutsi, Mukanyiligira remained vigilant, haunted by the fear of being pursued and expelled in broad daylight.
She expressed mixed emotions, stating, “There is happiness in survival, in the chance to live again. Yet, there is the deep sorrow and anger when recalling loved ones lost in an instant—seeking answers about their deaths, their last words. It overwhelms you.”
Mukanyiligira often questioned her faith, grappling with why she survived while many others did not, a burden that impeded her progress for a long time.
She shared, “There’s sadness and grief but also resolve. I am freed from these burdens; I set them aside. A renewed lease on life has been granted to me, to live well.”
Post-genocide, embracing life was a conscious choice, fueled by the losses she had endured.
Mukanyiligira had five siblings; during the Genocide against the Tutsis, she and two brothers survived while three were killed, partly because they were not at their home in Kibagabaga, in the current Gasabo District.
She reflects on this narrow escape: “It was an inexplicable chance. The killers had a list, and when they didn’t find someone at the house, it somehow gave us a chance to live, even though our cousins, who were visiting, and our parents were killed. Over 208 family members are remembered in this book.”
Accepting these events was challenging, but her faith in God remained central to her coping.
Furthermore, she clarifies her spiritual perspective, saying, “No priest or pastor manifested God to me; I faced a gun pressed to my cheek and survived. It wasn’t the Interahamwe militia; it was God’s plan.”
She added, “This experience reinforced my personal connection with God. I survived by His grace, and I trust that He will guide me through the rest of my days.”
{{Hiring Interahamwe}}
One month after the halting of the Genocide against the Tutsi, Mukanyiligira returned to her former home, only to find it reduced to ruins.
She discovered that her house had been destroyed, suggesting a grim reality for survivors: even those who escaped the killers would face immense challenges, partly as an attempt by the perpetrators to erase evidence.
Undeterred, Mukanyiligira persevered, intent on proving to those who had tried to exterminate the Tutsis that their genocidal plans had failed.
By 2001, as the situation began to stabilize, she found returning to Kibagabaga painful because the killers of her family were still there. This prompted her to settle in nearby Nyarutarama instead.
She expressed a poignant wish from that time: “I prayed that the Interahamwe from Kibagabaga would come and ask for work where I lived, as a form of silent revenge—without resorting to insults, violence, or wishing harm.”
“The house was flimsy, reflecting the poverty we Tutsis grew up in. For them to see that the child they couldn’t find in the bush is now building a big house and will employ them was a form of retribution.”
This approach served as a form of revenge for survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsis, aiming also to protect survivors from further exposure to their assailants.
Mukanyiligira noted that daily life for survivors involved working more efficiently, achieving more in less time, “so that if I were to die again, I’d leave a meaningful legacy.”
“There’s something profound about feeling like you’ve already died. It felt like we were living in an era of surplus, lacking essentials to sustain life. Choosing a man from five or six wasn’t based on anything substantial. If we were targeted again, at least we’d have justifiable reasons.”
Being successful, for Mukanyiligira, was not a matter of having a prominent job or coming from a powerful family; it was about her indomitable spirit and the progress she made, which nobody could hinder. This spirit fueled the reunification and empowerment of Genocide survivors.
Her determination led her and 150 others to establish IBUKA, aimed at fostering connections among survivors. “That spirit of unity and mutual support also permeated AERG, GAERG, AVEGA.
Surviving took immense effort, and we helped one another. These organizations provided a space to understand, accept, and uplift ourselves,” she said.
{{‘I Was There’}}
After the release of her book ‘Don’t Accept to Die,’ Mukanyiligira is now working on a new book titled ‘Nari Mpari,’ which translates to ‘I Was There.’ This forthcoming work emphasizes the theme that life follows death, and it explores both her personal growth and the country’s unprecedented development.
She explains, “I was there during the Gacaca courts, where murderers were forgiven. I witnessed everything that happened, everything the nation has accomplished. That’s why I’m naming it ‘I Was There.’”
Mukanyiligira highlights the responsibility of providing testimony and information to document the events, which demands not only resources, time, and skill, but also the delicacy of narrating without inflicting harm.
She reflects, “I embraced the pain because it was part of healing. After 28 years, there are memories that only resurface when recalled. But writing about them triggers something deeper, something necessary for the reader to understand. That’s when the wounds reopen.”
This book was penned during the challenging times of COVID-19. “There were nights when the echoes of past screams would surface as I wrote, reminders of the country’s tumultuous journey. Yet, I persevered because it is part of the healing process.”
Currently, the book is being translated into multiple languages, a task that Mukanyiligira says demands significant sacrifices, including time away from family and friends, but she sees it as essential to ensure that the story of what happened in Rwanda reaches a broader audience.
Following the initial English publication and last year’s French translation, a German version and an audiobook are now being prepared.
Reflecting on the past 30 years, Mukanyiligira stated unequivocally, “The fact that I survived and can honor the values of those who were killed feels like a debt I’ve managed to repay.”
She expressed gratitude towards the Inkotanyi for liberating Rwandans and for their efforts that went beyond building infrastructure like roads, hospitals, and schools.
They also transformed how Rwandans are perceived abroad, “because now when we go overseas, we are no longer seen as murderers, but as contributors to meaningful development.”
Rwanda’s special education policy asserts that integrating students with disabilities alongside those without disabilities promotes mutual understanding and learning.
The law requires that all educational facilities be accessible to the handicapped. Yet, despite these regulations, disparities persist. According to the 2022 census, about 65% of children with disabilities aged 6 to 17 attend school, compared to 81% of non-disabled children.
Statistics from 2022 also reveal a total of 38,937 students with disabilities enrolled in schools, including 17,322 boys and 21,615 girls.
Following the establishment of the special education program, new schools have been constructed, and existing facilities have been upgraded to better accommodate students with disabilities. Nonetheless, older school buildings still present accessibility challenges, requiring additional support for these students.
A report to the General Assembly of Deputies in April 2024 highlighted ongoing issues, such as the absence of specialized instructional materials for students with disabilities in some schools.
Deputy Uwamariya Veneranda, Chairperson of the Commission for Education, Technology, Youth, and Culture, commented on the infrastructural deficiencies in schools, noting the existence of older buildings that do not comply with current educational standards.
By 2022, the number of schools lacking the necessary infrastructure and equipment to support disabled students decreased from 3,955 in 2017 to 1,541.
In addition to mainstream schools, students with disabilities often attend under-resourced schools, receiving the same instruction as their non-disabled peers.
Starting in May 2024, the Ministry of Education intends to provide various educational aids to students with disabilities, including televisions, calculators, video literacy tools, maps, and 60 laptops.
Furthermore, in April 2024, three thousand curricula designed specifically for students with mental disabilities will be published. From 2025 to 2027, a specialized book covering these curricula is also slated for publication.
The plan includes comprehensive training for all teachers to better support students with diverse disabilities. Although the number of trained teachers is increasing—from 12,243 in 2020/2021 to 15,569 in the following year—the total is still markedly low.
While the Ministry of Education has not set a definitive deadline for the completion of teacher training, it is committed to ensuring that it will occur.
Since 2015, the University of Rwanda has offered a secondary education teaching course specializing in disabilities. To date, 957 individuals have graduated, with 91 pursuing university-level studies and seven at the doctoral level in this field.
With the integration of this specialized training across all educational institutions, the goal is to equip all teachers with the skills necessary to educate students with disabilities effectively. As the student population grows, the number of teachers across Rwanda continues to increase, emphasizing the ongoing need for specialized educational support.
In a statement on Wednesday, April 17, the management urged the affected passengers to check their emails regularly for updates about the interruptions.
“Due to severe weather conditions in Dubai (DXB), we’re experiencing flight disruptions to and from Dubai. Passengers are advised to check their emails regularly for updates,” the airline stated.
This comes as heavy rains continue to batter Gulf States, leading to floods, including at Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest airports.
Earlier on Wednesday morning, the airport authorities described the weather conditions as “very challenging,” urging passengers “not to come to the airport unless absolutely necessary.”
“Flights continue to be delayed and diverted. Please check your flight status directly with your airline. We are working hard to recover operations as quickly as possible in very challenging conditions,” the management added.
Kenya’s Kenya Aiways (KQ) and Fly Emirates are among airlines that have been forced to cancel flights due to heavy storms.
“We are monitoring the situation and are in close contact with Dubai authorities to minimise the inconvenience and disruption to our customers’ travels,” KQ said while announcing the cancellation of two flights on Wednesday.
Fly Emirates, while asking its customers to rebook their flights said, “Dubai customers with flights scheduled for today (17 April) are advised not to go to DXB, as check-in remains suspended for all flights. Your safety is our top priority.”
At least 18 people have been reported dead due to the floods in Oman, even as weather forecasts predict further storms across the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Schools across the UAE shut before the storms, with experts saying that the rains, which began on Monday, are equal to a year and a half’s worth of rain for the desert region.
The minister lamented that, while boda boda riders in the neighboring country have shown utmost discipline in compliance with safety rules, recklessness on the part of Kenyan counterparts is to blame for the rising carnage.
“If we are going to sort out the accident issue, we have to sort out the boda boda sector. We should ask ourselves how come to our neighbouring country has managed to organize the boda boda sector that everyone dutifully wears a helmet including passengers,” Murkomen said in an apparent reference to Rwanda which is widely regarded as a shining example for compliance of safety rules not only in the East African region but Africa and beyond.
Murkomen also blamed residents for contributing to the deterioration of the boda boda sector in Kenya, stating, “When you tell our Nairobi slay queens to wear a helmet, they will tell you it is smelling or it’s messing my hair.”
He posed, “Which one is more important: your hair or your safety?”
Comparing past and present statistics, the CS said the boda boda sector is the leading cause of road accidents in Kenya.
“From 2000 to 2008, it used to be public service and private vehicles. But today, 38 per cent of the people we lose are pedestrians, 32 per cent are boda boda riders, and 26 per cent are lost through public and private vehicle accidents,” he added.
The CS spoke during the launch of the National Road Safety Action Plan 2024 – 2028 in Nairobi on Wednesday, April 17.
To tame the menace, he called for strategic partnerships between the national and county governments to ensure that all the 47 devolved units in Kenya are empowered to manage the motorcycle sector in Kenya.
Meanwhile, while the boda boda sector continues to give leaders in neighboring countries a headache, Rwanda continues to stun the region with how it got everything right in managing the sector, popularly known as ‘Taxi Moto’ among the locals.
In Rwanda, stringent rules set by the Transport authorities require a rider to carry only one passenger at a time. Additionally, the rider and their customer must wear helmets at all times. The helmets must be stamped with a unique identifying number, which has to be printed on the driver’s jacket and bike as well.
The sector is also governed by cooperatives which work hand in hand with traffic police to enforce compliance to the set laws.
Unlike in Nairobi, Kenya, Kampala, Uganda, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, it’s not uncommon to find boda boda riders stopping at pedestrian crossings to allow pedestrians to pass in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda.
The boda boda operators in Rwanda are also required to use designated stages to pick up passengers, promoting discipline and order in the sector.
As per statement released by his family, Graham will be remembered not only as a seasoned statesman but also as a devoted family man. His commitment to his roles as husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather was as unwavering as his dedication to the betterment of society.
Graham’s illustrious career spanned nearly four decades, during which he served at both the state and federal levels. From his early days in the Florida legislature to his tenure as governor and later as a U.S. senator, he tirelessly championed the interests of his constituents and the nation as a whole.
As a senator, Graham’s influence extended far beyond Florida’s borders. His leadership on the Senate Intelligence Committee, particularly during the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, showcased his unwavering commitment to national security. He played a pivotal role in crafting the Patriot Act of 2001, which aimed to enhance intelligence sharing between domestic and foreign agencies—an enduring testament to his foresight and determination to safeguard the nation against future threats.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi aptly characterized Graham as a “patriotic American” and a senator of great stature. His pivotal role in leading the Congressional Joint Inquiry into 9/11 underscored his unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability.
Additionally, his principled opposition to the Iraq War demonstrated his willingness to stand up for what he believed was right, even in the face of considerable political pressure.
Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Graham brought with him the values instilled in him by his beloved Florida—a sense of duty, dignity, and courage. His legacy serves as an inspiration to future generations of leaders, reminding them of the profound impact one individual can have in shaping the course of history.
On March 16, 2024, during his meeting with the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, who was visiting the country since the end of last week, President Xi Jinping revealed points he consider crucial amidst the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, which have escalated in recent years.
Firstly, he stressed the need to prioritize support to peace and security and stop selfish interests.
He also said that the Western world should stop fueling the fire by providing aid to Ukraine because they are undermining peace negotiations.
The other thing that this president said would be a solution to this war, is to deal with the effects of this war on the world economy.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz promised President Xi that he is willing to find a peaceful way to stop the war because Germany has also been affected and has seriously hindered the supply of petroleum products in general.
Although China has not taken sides in the war between Russia and Ukraine, it has been accused by the West of the world for refusing to impose sanctions on Russia.
However, this is not the first time China has shown approaches to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In February 2023, China showed its support for peace talks by proposing ten points to be considered in the negotiations.
At that time, Ukraine challenged what was shown by China, saying that it also had proposed ten points in 2022 to be considered in the negotiations, but they were rejected by Russia.
