Out of the displaced people, there are 4 million women and 3 million children, said Graham Abdel-Qadir, Sudan’s acting minister of culture and information, in a statement.
He said 90 percent of the displaced were from Khartoum, Gezira, and Darfur states.
Abdel-Qadir stressed the government’s commitment to delivering humanitarian aid to those in need through procedures and arrangements guaranteeing the country’s sovereignty.
Sudan has been witnessing deadly clashes between the SAF and the RSF since April 15, 2023. More than 13,000 people had been killed since the fighting broke out, according to estimates released last week by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
OCHA said in an earlier report that it was “deeply concerned by the scale of displacement in Sudan due to the spreading conflict, which has fueled the largest displacement crisis in the world.”
It is attended by commissioners and senior police officers of Rwanda National Police.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in charge of Administration and Personnel, DCG Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza, while opening the seminar, at the RNP General Headquarters, Kacyiru, said that when corruption and security risks combine, they compromise the safety of state at the benefit of the few and at the expense of public purse.
She pointed out that ethics and professional values are the cornerstone of any successful anti-corruption effort and to build a culture of integrity and accountability.
“As leaders you must lead by example, ensure subordinates comply with ethical standards, and collectively create a corruption-free environment towards sustainable development,” DIGP Ujeneza said.
She observed that one corrupt individual can set off a chain of events that shatters security and undermine stability of the country.
“Over the next five days, we have the opportunity to dig into crucial topics surrounding the fight against corruption,” DIGP Ujeneza said.
The seminar provides an opportunity for strategic planning and management of anti-corruption agencies as well as exploring the critical issues of ethics and professional values in anti-corruption activities.
“This helps to set clear goals, objectives, and priorities in the fight against corruption. Developing comprehensive anti-corruption strategies, which include preventive, investigative, and enforcement measures, is essential,” she said.
Dr. Rogers Koranteng, the Head of Public Sector Governance at the Commonwealth Secretariat, said that Rwanda, as one of the safest countries in Africa with a very low crime rate, has more to offer her citizen and rest of Africa.
He added that as developing countries continue to combat crimes and law enforcement challenges, it is prudent to acknowledge tasks hand in a more sophisticated technologically driven world.
“It is more important now, more than ever, that senior management of law enforcement agencies are kept abreast with current and effective skills and knowledge to effectively lead and manage their resources for the fight against all forms of crimes,” Dr. Koranteng said.
He added: “Effective leadership is integral to organizational effectiveness. Effective leaders create positive organizational cultures, strengthen motivation, clarify mission and organizational objectives, and steer organizations to more productive and high performing outcomes.”
Medical insurance plays a vital role in Rwanda, alleviating the financial burden associated with healthcare when individuals fall ill.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE on the sidelines of Rwanda Day 2024 in Washington DC, Kevin Rudahinduka, the CEO of Eden Care, revealed the company’s commitment to leveraging technology to enable Rwandans abroad to purchase digital medical insurance for their relatives and friends without geographical constraints.
Rudahinduka emphasized, “Rwandans living abroad can access our digital medical insurance services, enabling them to purchase health insurance for themselves or their loved ones back in Rwanda. Our streamlined process allows for seamless transactions using various payment methods, similar to buying a plane ticket.”
He further explained that individuals abroad, upon purchasing services, can actively monitor the healthcare provided to their beneficiaries. This includes the ability to connect with the treating physician and stay informed about prescribed tests and treatments through a user-friendly mobile interface.
“Once you engage with our services, you have the capability to closely track the healthcare journey of the insured individual. You can virtually meet the attending doctor, review prescribed tests, and monitor the overall treatment progress directly from your smartphone,” Rudahinduka added.
Addressing the needs and preferences of the diaspora, Rudahinduka expressed a willingness to adapt and enhance the services offered. He invited members of the diaspora to share their feedback, enabling Eden Care to tailor its offerings to meet the unique expectations and requirements of its clients.
“We are eager to receive your input and understand how we can enhance and customize our services to align with your specific needs. Your perspective on healthcare services may differ from those in Rwanda, and we are committed to crafting special solutions catering to the diaspora community,” stated Rudahinduka.
In addition to accessing information through the center’s website, discussions are underway to facilitate seamless collaboration between individuals abroad and healthcare providers in Rwanda.
The aim is to create a user-friendly process that eliminates the need for physical presence or travel, ensuring efficient healthcare management from anywhere in the world.
Cervical cancer, a major health concern, has seen progress in preventive measures. Over the past decade, vaccination programs for girls have been underway, with 95% of girls having received the vaccine.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, announced a comprehensive program in the next two years, aiming to test and immunize all women. Those testing positive will promptly begin receiving treatment, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis.
Statistics for 2022 reveal 635 cases of breast cancer, including the unexpected occurrence of 26 cases in men. Cervical cancer recorded 617 cases, while 491 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Dr. Nsanzimana expressed concern about the shift towards younger demographics developing prostate cancer and emphasized the need for nationwide standards to detect potential risks annually.
Dr. Nsanzimana emphasized that 40% of all cancers are preventable through lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes. Stomach and throat cancers are on the rise, and he linked these trends to dietary habits, particularly the consumption of alcohol.
Excessive alcohol intake is associated with damage to local tissues, leading to abnormal changes and growth.
Cancer incidence has been steadily rising since 2018, with 3,275 new cases reported. Although there was a slight decrease in 2020, subsequent years saw an upward trajectory, reaching 5,283 new cancer patients in 2022. Tragically, 1,000 people succumb to cancer in Rwandan hospitals annually.
Dr. Nsanzimana assured that 80% of resources needed for cancer treatment are available in Rwanda. The country boasts the Rwanda Cancer Center at Kanombe Military Hospital and five other facilities equipped for chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Rwanda has a dedicated team of medical professionals, including 12 doctors specializing in cancer treatment, two breast surgeons, two gynecologic oncologist , and 15 oncologists.
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 20 million new cancer cases and 10 million deaths annually.
Alarmingly, projections indicate a 60% increase in cancer patients by 2040, reaching a staggering 30 million people.
The Ministry of Health is actively advocating for preventive measures and early detection to combat this growing health crisis.
The helicopter belongs to Northwest Aviation and Rescue Center of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM) and was conducting a simulated search and rescue mission over the lake.
EMERCOM announced that the wreckage of the helicopter was found 11 km away from the shore at a depth of up to 50 meters.
A search and rescue operation involving rescuers taking a hovercraft and riding snowmobiles has been launched.
The helicopter was piloted by an experienced crew with thousands of flight hours, according to the ministry.
A relative has told IGIHE that Kampayana breathed his last on the morning of February 5, 2024.
“It is true that he has passed on.”
He revealed that Kampayana passed away at home while in the process of preparing to visit the doctor. “His demise occurred as he was getting ready for a medical appointment,” he stated.
The cause of his ailment was not immediately apparent, and they awaited the doctor’s assessment for clarity.
Kampayana, aged 60, is survived by his wife and five children, comprising two daughters and three sons.
Before assuming the role of Acting CEO at the Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA), he served as the agency’s director of urban and rural housing.
Kampayana also held the position of Mayor of Nyarugenge District and led the Rwanda Association of Local Government Authorities (RALGA) during its establishment in 2003, among other notable roles.
The official announcement from the Polish head of state’s office reveals that President Duda is set to arrive in Kigali on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.
He is scheduled for private talks with President Kagame, followed by discussions involving their respective delegations.
While the specifics of the cooperation agreement remain undisclosed, the announcement indicates the signing of such an agreement.
Additionally, President Duda and his wife will pay their respects at the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi, honoring the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
President Duda’s itinerary includes participation in a forum on Polish investment in Rwanda, where he will address the participants. A visit to the LuNa Smelter factory is also planned, followed by a formal reception hosted by President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame.
On February 8, President Duda will travel to Kibeho to visit the Sanctuary Virgin Mary and the center for visually impaired children, where he will deliver a speech. Subsequently, he is expected to proceed to Tanzania for talks with President Samia Suluhu Hassan on February 8-9.
The enduring diplomatic ties between Rwanda and Poland date back to the 1960s, with mutual visits, discussions, and cooperation agreements occurring since 2003.
Notably, in 2017, Poland appointed its Ambassador to Rwanda, whose responsibilities were later relocated to Tanzania in 2018.
In 2022, Poland announced the opening of its Embassy in Kigali, and during the same year, Rwanda opened its Embassy in Poland, appointing Prof. Shyaka Anastase to represent its interests.
The bilateral relationship between Rwanda and Poland spans various sectors, including education, with approximately 1500 Rwandan students currently studying in Poland. Additionally, diplomatic agreements have been signed in the fields of military cooperation and tax system improvement.
In terms of investment, the Luna Smelter factory, owned by Polish Luma Investment, plays a significant role in processing Cassiterite minerals in Rwanda.
A Polish-Rwanda Business Forum held in December 2022 attracted around 150 investment companies from both nations, fostering economic collaboration between the two countries.
Leading these efforts are organizations such as Freedom from Torture, focused on combating torture, and the Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit, advocating for immigration justice.
Notably, the latter has received the highest amount of funding, as reported by the Center for Migration Control.
According to the agency, the UK government has allocated £209 million to 265 families since 2020, equivalent to 330 billion Rwandan francs.
Freedom from Torture has been the primary beneficiary, receiving a total of £609,000, including contributions from the Ministry of Justice.
The Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit has also received substantial support, with £500,000 granted by the government since 2020. The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Justice spokesperson confirmed this funding during an interview with Telegraph, emphasizing its purpose in assisting the organization’s collaboration with the criminal justice system.
The UK aims to reduce the number of migrants through a program involving their relocation to Rwanda, with the government anticipating a significant reduction in the influx of migrants arriving by small boats.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has emphasized that the implementation of this plan will lead to a notable decrease in the number of immigrants entering the country.
Initiated to assist immigrants primarily arriving via small boats, charity organizations fear that the reduction in immigrant numbers will result in a decline or cessation of their activities.
Concerns have been raised that successful implementation of the program may lead to a lack of funding for these organizations, as their perceived mission would be accomplished.
In response to the program, certain organizations have openly opposed it and launched a campaign to depict Rwanda as a country lacking in human rights and impoverished.
Rwanda’s government disputes these claims, citing its rapid development and pointing to its recognition by organizations like UNHCR for its positive treatment of refugees and migrants.
Freedom from Torture has taken legal action against the program, asserting its non-compliance with international law and securing a decision to halt its implementation. The organization’s leadership has vowed to continue advocating against the program while the government remains committed to its execution.
In December 2023, the Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit declared its ongoing opposition to the program, expressing determination to resist the government’s efforts to popularize it.
The British Ministry of Justice disclosed that the government’s financial support to these organizations includes a stipulation prohibiting the use of funds to influence parliamentary and governmental decisions.
Consequently, Freedom from Torture lost its funding in July 2023 for violating this provision. The program, rooted in an agreement signed in April 2022 and renewed in December 2023, remains a contentious issue.
In honoring the late leader, Kagame acknowledged Geingob as a champion of Pan-Africanism, whose legacy is destined to endure for generations. Geingob had been at the helm of the sparsely populated and predominantly arid southern African nation since 2015, the same year he announced his successful battle against prostate cancer.
In a heartfelt message posted on X, formerly Twitter, Kagame conveyed his deepest sympathies, saying, “My deepest condolences to my sister Monica Geingos, the entire family, and the people of Namibia for the passing of my brother and friend President Hage Geingob.”
The Rwandan President went on to highlight Geingob’s pivotal role during Namibia’s liberation struggle, his unwavering dedication to serving his people, and his commitment to a unified Africa.
Kagame emphasized that these contributions would be eternally etched in the memories of future generations.
Born in 1941, Geingob had already established himself as a prominent politician before Namibia gained independence from the white minority-ruled South Africa in 1990. He chaired the committee responsible for drafting Namibia’s constitution and subsequently became its first prime minister upon independence on March 21 of that year—a position he held until 2002.
In 2007, Geingob assumed the role of vice president of the governing South West Africa People’s Organization (Swapo), an organization he had joined as an advocate for independence during Namibia’s tenure as South West Africa.
In his message of condolences, Botswanan President Mokgweetsi Masisi described Geingob as a true friend of Botswana.
“We deeply value his support in building an extraordinary partnership our two countries and people enjoy today. We honor his legacy, mourn his passing, and remain committed to our steadfast friendship and cooperation,” said Masisi.
Masisi has directed that flags of Botswana fly at half-mast throughout the country from Sunday until Geingob is laid to rest.
Mourning Geingob’s death, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has lost a liberation stalwart and icon.
“We deeply cherish the exemplary role that he played in consolidating the excellent relations that exist between Zimbabwe and Namibia, as well as in advancing the integration agenda of our regional body, SADC, and the cause of the African peoples and continent,” Mnangagwa said.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his sadness over the passing of Geingob, saying, “Today, South Africa joins the people of our sister state, Namibia, in mourning the passing of a leader, patriot, and friend of South Africa.”
Ramaphosa said Geingob was a towering veteran of Namibia’s liberation from colonialism and apartheid. “He was also greatly influential in the solidarity that the people of Namibia extended to the people of South Africa so that we could be free today.”
“This loss is not only deeply felt by Namibians but also reverberates throughout the entire SADC region and the African continent. We mourn the passing of an outstanding revolutionary and dedicated statesman who led with wisdom, integrity, diplomacy, and a deep passion for his people,” the Parliament of South Africa said in a statement.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema also extended his deep condolences, describing Geingob as a true friend, liberation icon, senior African statesman, and elder brother.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed her condolences via X, formerly known as Twitter.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the president of Namibia, His Excellency Hage Geingob, a dear brother, a venerable pan-Africanist, and a great friend of Tanzania,” she said.
Nangolo Mbumba, the former vice president of Namibia, took the oath of office on Sunday in the Namibian capital of Windhoek, officially becoming the country’s fourth president after Geingob passed away at the age of 82.
On Jan. 19, the Namibian presidency said Geingob’s medical team discovered cancerous cells following a biopsy examination.
