The announcement was made on February 13, 2024, during Minister Bemba’s visit to Goma, where he was to assess the performance of the DRC state forces and their allies.
Reassuring the public, Minister Bemba emphasized the collaboration between MONUSCO and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC). He affirmed that MONUSCO stands alongside them in the fight against the M23, and similarly highlighted the active involvement of SADC forces in supporting FARDC, emphasizing their joint efforts in the ongoing conflict.
This statement from Minister Bemba comes in response to significant protests by Congolese citizens in Kinshasa and along the Sake-Goma route.
The demonstrators had been demanding the withdrawal of MONUSCO troops from the DRC, accusing them of reluctance to engage with the M23.
Minister Bemba’s visit aimed to address concerns and provide assurance to the public about the collaborative efforts in place.
As of February 13, the conflict continues in Nyiragongo village and Masisi, near Sake, with reports suggesting that the M23 has intentions to seize control of the city. Minister Bemba had visited Goma and Sake the previous week, inspecting the CBCA Ndosho hospital, meeting with war casualties, and interacting with troops on the front lines. During this visit, he reiterated the government’s commitment to reclaim all territories under M23 control.
This mission, grounded in SADC’s principle of mutual support, has attracted participation from only three countries: South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi, to aid the DRC in its struggle against the M23 rebel forces. Notably, South Africa has contributed the largest contingent, dispatching 2,900 troops for a year-long mission, funded by a substantial 134 billion Rwandan francs budget.
The mission’s declared aim is to foster peace and security within the region. However, recent disclosures by South African officials have revealed a secondary agenda: advancing Pretoria’s economic interests in the DRC.
The South African Ambassador to the DRC, Mxolisi Shilubane, highlighted the dire climatic challenges his country faces, such as drought-induced food shortages. He pointed out the DRC’s abundant rainfall as a vital resource for agriculture, suggesting that South Africa could leverage this for its benefit and that of the broader SADC region.
Ambassador Shilubane advocated for a strategic focus on agriculture, proposing that South African regions affected by drought could benefit from the DRC’s year-round rainfall. He explained that this necessitates exploring collaborative avenues, be it through Congolese initiatives or South African assistance, to harness this agricultural potential.
Additionally, South African businessman Robert Gumede emphasized the DRC’s wealth in natural resources, particularly its mineral riches. South Africa’s interest seems especially keen on the Rubaya mineral reserves in North Kivu province, aiming to bolster its mining operations there.
This ambition aligns with recent bilateral economic agreements, underscored at an investment conference in Kinshasa attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa highlighted opportunities for cooperation in the mineral and oil sectors, envisioning a partnership that leverages the complementary resources, expertise, and technology of both nations to foster industrial synergy and economic growth for both countries.
Despite the portrayal of South Africa’s involvement in the DRC as a gesture of solidarity and mutual development, this deep engagement prompts scrutiny of the true motives—balancing humanitarian objectives against economic interests.
While Pretoria professes a commitment to regional peace and stability, its actions also suggest a strategic focus on securing key economic footholds in one of Africa’s most resource-abundant regions.
As of January 28, 2024, King Faisal Hospital (KFH) has reported the successful completion of 18 kidney transplant surgeries since the initiation of this service in May 2023.
Alexis Rulisa, the Head of the Community-Based Health Insurance Department at the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), has told The New Times that patients requiring kidney transplants have been able to utilize Mutuelle de Santé at KFH since the program’s inception. Initially, the hospital’s foundation, the ‘KFHR Foundation,’ supported the first group of transplant recipients.
Rulisa further stated that moving forward, kidney transplant procedures would be financed through RSSB’s comprehensive insurance coverage, which includes RAMA, MMI, and Mutuelle de Santé, ensuring that the kidney transplant was included in Mutuelle de Santé.
The Ministry of Health, alongside RSSB, has briefed Parliament on the Government’s efforts to broaden the scope of medical services offered through Mutuelle de Santé. The strategy includes not only kidney transplants but also cancer treatments and improved access to transplantation services for people with disabilities, with full implementation expected in 2025.
Louise Kanyonga, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of RSSB, communicated to Parliament the potential financial implications of these enhancements, projecting a shortfall of 17 billion Rwandan Francs over three years without additional funding. To mitigate this, Kanyonga disclosed that RSSB is engaging with the Ministry of Health, banks, and other insurance entities to secure the necessary support to maintain and expand the health insurance program.
Current progress shows the construction in full swing, with the initial phase, featuring a single-floor structure, slated for completion in May. This phase recently underwent an inspection by representatives from Enabel, a key financial backer of the project.
Mbonyumuvunyi Radjab, the Mayor of Rwamagana District, has assured that the first phase will be ready for occupancy by May, enabling traders to relocate to the new facility without delay.
Mayor Radjab elaborated, “Our commitment is to finish by the fifth month of this year. With four months remaining, we are on track for the opening of the first phase. Any potential delays would be minor, as the contractor faces penalties for tardiness, which incentivizes on-time completion. In exceptional circumstances, a brief extension of around 15 days may be requested.”
Additionally, the district encourages local homeowners to renovate their properties to match the modern aesthetic of the market by the end of the third phase. Funding for the first phase was provided by Enabel, with the anticipation that private sector investments will drive the construction of the subsequent phases.
Julien Mahoro Niyingabira, a spokesperson for the Ministry, shed light on the predicament facing over 200 individuals, predominantly those with educational credentials from abroad, including a portion with degrees deemed invalid.
This development follows inquiries by journalist Hakuzwumuremyi Joseph, who brought to light the plight of medical graduates in Rwanda who are unable to engage in their trained professions. This is in stark contrast to community health workers, who, despite lacking formal degrees but having undergone specific training programs, are actively involved in delivering medical services.
Hakuzwumuremyi raised concerns over the apparent disparity where graduates, despite possessing qualifications from various institutions, are sidelined in favor of their lesser-educated but trained counterparts. A significant hurdle identified is the failure to pass examinations set forth by the Medical Council, a mandatory step for entry into the field.
Furthermore, the journalist delved into potential issues within the Medical Council, including allegations of corruption and mishandling of examinations, questioning if resolving these matters could aid in integrating graduates into the healthcare system more smoothly.
In response, Niyingabira detailed that the affected cohort includes those who have yet to pass the council’s examinations—tests that are conducted quarterly—and must therefore attempt them again. Additionally, there are cases of individuals presenting credentials from unrecognized institutions or falsely claiming medical education backgrounds.
Niyingabira also addressed instances of individuals alleging to have studied overseas, which upon investigation by the Higher Education Council (HEC) and other bodies, turned out to be unfounded, supported by evidence proving they had not left the country.
However, he recognized that there are graduates who fulfill all requirements yet experience delays in receiving their professional licenses. He assured that efforts are underway, in collaboration with the HEC, to streamline the licensing process while maintaining stringent qualification checks to safeguard patient welfare.
On the topic of community health workers, Niyingabira emphasized their role as an extension to the services provided by medical professionals in primary care settings, underscoring Rwanda’s dedication to both increasing the number of qualified doctors and enhancing the overall quality of healthcare services.
The issue of fraudulent qualifications is escalating, as underscored by a recent HEC analysis of 1,000 foreign degree verification applications, which found that 10% of the applicants falsely claimed education histories in the countries from where they purported to have obtained their degrees.
Appointed in December 2021, Nsaguye’s tenure came to an abrupt end with a presidential decree dated February 6, 2024, naming Colonel Jean d’Affaires Manirakiza as his successor.
This shake-up occurs against a backdrop of internal tensions and critiques of Burundi’s military engagements, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Brigadier General Nsaguye, at the helm of military intelligence for two years following Colonel Ernest Musaba, faced a tenure shadowed by the unsettling disappearances of Burundian civilians in 2021.
Accusations against Nsaguye include inadequate management of operations in the DRC and subpar strategic advice, casting a shadow over Burundi’s international reputation and stirring unease among its military ranks.
The choice of Colonel Jean d’Affaires Manirakiza as Nsaguye’s replacement has sparked debate regarding its suitability, given Manirakiza’s reputation as more of an academic than a military tactician.
The reshuffle also included significant appointments, such as Major General Jean-Claude Niyiburana succeeding Brigadier General Venuste Nduwayo as the Land Forces Commander, and Brigadier General Gaspard Baratuza reappointed as the army spokesperson.
These adjustments occur amidst a pivotal period for Burundi as it navigates complex military involvements abroad and confronts domestic security dilemmas.
Critics argue that there may be a misalignment between senior military decision-making and on-the-ground realities, particularly concerning operations in the DRC.
The dismissal of Nsaguye raises questions about whether it stems from a demand for accountability over military shortcomings or if it mirrors internal power dynamics and vested interests within the governing elite.
Concerns over military governance in Burundi have been voiced by officials who lament decisions that appear to be driven more by political or economic motives rather than operational effectiveness.
In addition to the railway connecting Rwanda and Tanzania, another crucial project seeks to link Rwanda with Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan through the Northern Corridor initiatives. These railway links are anticipated to greatly enhance business travel, providing a significant advantage to Rwanda, as a landlocked country.
In preparation for the Rwanda-Tanzania railway, route demarcations have been set from Rusumo to Kigali City, with an extension planned to reach Bugesera Airport, covering an additional 18 kilometers. This project is designed to enhance connectivity within the heart of East Africa and has been in the planning stages for more than two decades.
An agreement for a 532-mile section was signed on March 9, 2018, initially focusing on the Tanzanian side, and progress has been made, with discussions ongoing to extend the railway into Rwanda. Mwiseneza Maxime Marius, Deputy Director General of the RTDA, confirmed that all necessary pre-construction conditions have been met, and attention is now turning to securing the funding required for the project’s imminent launch.
To bring the Rwanda-Tanzania railway to fruition, Rwanda is seeking over $1.5 billion in funding, while Tanzania needs more than $2.5 billion for its portion of the project. A meeting between Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania in 2023 placed high priority on enhancing trade, with the railway project being a key topic of discussion.
Rwanda anticipates that the railway will reduce transportation costs by 40%, a significant advantage for Rwandan traders who rely on the Dar es Salaam port for 70% of their import and export activities. Ongoing discussions with various countries signal the potential for resuming related project activities in the near future, as indicated by the Ministry of Infrastructure.
Since 2014, Kibeho has undergone remarkable changes, notably with the introduction of tarmac roads that have made the holy site more accessible to Catholics from diverse backgrounds. The focus on essential amenities such as water, electricity, educational institutions, accommodation, and improved road networks underscores the comprehensive development strategy for the area.
Father François Harelimana, the Director of the Virgin Mary Sanctuary, has observed a significant increase in the number of visitors to Kibeho, with figures surpassing other famous pilgrimage sites like Lourdes.
This surge underscores the urgent need for expansion to accommodate the sanctuary’s growing activities and visitor numbers. “We appeal to all who cherish Kibeho to support us in finding space for these vital projects. Our current land simply cannot sustain the influx,” Father Harelimana explained, highlighting the pressing need for additional land to realize these ambitions.
The sanctuary’s current limitations in space, particularly for hosting visitors, are a concern. However, with government support, including the provision of a parking lot adorned with a monument of the Virgin Mary, the entrance to Kibeho has become more inviting.
Father Harelimana envisions this expansion to encompass more than just pilgrimage needs, proposing the construction of a conference center to host public talks, a departure from the current practice of utilizing the Cathedral for such events.
A notable gap in Kibeho’s facilities since 1981 is the absence of a library. Father Harelimana emphasizes the importance of establishing a library and research center to delve into Kibeho’s rich history and document its spiritual significance, providing resources for both education and reflection on the events that have shaped this holy place.
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The sanctuary’s prominence has attracted dignitaries from across Africa and Europe, including a historic visit by the President of Poland, Andrzej Sebastian Duda, on February 8, 2024.
This underscores the need for facilities that can adequately host such significant guests. “We need spaces that not only pay homage to Kibeho’s historical and spiritual significance but also offer the necessary services for dignitaries,” Father Harelimana stated, stressing the importance of balancing reverence with hospitality.
The sanctuary management is actively working towards creating a dedicated space for these purposes, with the vision of eventually establishing a house owned by the company in charge of the sanctuary. This initiative aims to maintain Kibeho as a serene place of prayer while accommodating the practical needs of its visitors.
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To accommodate the sanctuary’s growth, Father Harelimana has announced the need for substantial land acquisition, essential for parking and the development of the proposed projects.
“While we have many projects in mind, securing land is our immediate priority. This will allow for phased development as resources become available,” he explained.
The requirement for over 25 hectares of land signifies a major expansion effort, with a budget estimation of at least 3.5 billion Rwandan Francs. Father Harelimana remains optimistic about the support from the Christian community and benevolent donors, both domestically and internationally, to meet this ambitious goal.
Among the planned projects are the construction of a historical learning center, a modern hospital, a road to the ‘Blessed Water Spring’, and the Way of the Cross, illustrating a multifaceted approach to enhancing the spiritual and physical infrastructure of Kibeho.
These developments aim to enrich the pilgrimage experience, ensuring visitors not only engage with the site’s religious significance but also enjoy modern conveniences and learn about its history and legacy.
Speaking at a forum in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, the campaigners noted that addressing policy gaps while expanding access to screening, treatment and palliative care will help reduce caseload and deaths linked to the cancer of the cervix.
Kenya is hosting a week-long meeting bringing together policymakers and health advocates from 13 African countries to discuss new tools that should be adopted to re-energize the fight against cervical cancer in the continent.
The meeting was convened by FIND, an international health lobby that advocates for equitable access to diagnosis, the African Cervical Health Alliance and KILELE Health Association, a Nairobi-based health advocacy group.
Patrick Amoth, acting director-general for health at Kenya’s Ministry of Health, stressed that high-impact interventions including policy reforms, sufficient funding and scaling up vaccination will ensure that cervical cancer is not a threat to Africa’s public health security.
“We need to harness new tools, data and roll out community-centered interventions as we embark on the journey to declare the continent free from debilitating impacts of cervical cancer,” Amoth said.
In Kenya, cervical cancer is the leading cancer among women of reproductive age, with over 5,000 new cases and 3,000 deaths being recorded annually, Amoth said, adding that vaccination against the human papilloma virus (HPV) targeting adolescent girls has accelerated to help avert new infections.
Joseph Ndung’u, the regional director of FIND, said health policies in Africa should be aligned with targeted cervical cancer prevention, treatment and long-term care for patients in hard-to-reach areas.
Benda Kithaka, the executive director and founder of KILELE Health Association, said African countries should prioritize training of health workers, grassroots advocacy, investments in high-impact diagnostic tools and affordable treatment to reduce cervical cancer cases and deaths.
According to Kithaka, 19 out of the 20 countries bearing the highest burden of cervical cancer globally are found in Africa, necessitating the urgency to roll out mass vaccination and screening.
Maud Mwakasungula, the chairperson of Malawi’s Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Alliance, said that African governments should empower community health workers with knowledge and digital tools to help them identify new cervical cancer patients and put them on treatment.
The African Union Special Representative for Somalia, Mohamed El-Amine Souef, confirmed that four military officers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and one from Bahrain, were shot dead at the General Gordon Military Base, operated by the UAE.
“On behalf of ATMIS, I condemn in the strongest terms the attack on the military trainers and Somali soldiers at the Base, who were working towards advancing Somalia’s security efforts,” Souef said in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
The incident in Mogadishu happened after a Somali army recruit discharged his gun targeting the soldiers inside the military facility.
The UAE soldiers were on a training mission of the Somali National Army as part of the bilateral agreement between the UAE and Somalia.
“ATMIS remains deeply committed to working with the people, the Federal Government of Somalia, and international partners in the fight against terrorism,” the AU mission said.
Souef extended his condolences to the government of the UAE, and to the families, relatives, and friends who lost their loved ones, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
Al-Shabab, which has been fighting the government for more than two decades, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying its fighters killed many people involved in the Emirati military training mission in Somalia.
