Category: English News

Genetically modified cassava seeds create hope for farmers after devastating diseases

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By NIKUZE NKUSI Diane Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) says genetically modified cassava seeds are expected to save farmers from losses incurred due to devastating diseases that have been affecting crop production. Rwandan farmers lack improved cassava varieties resistant to the main cassava diseases; Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) and Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD). The diseases have affected cassava productivity, threatening the income and food security in the country. Kabore, a cassava virus disease which spread in Rwanda, in 2013, causes root rot rendering cassava inedible. The…

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Kenya: Five die as President Ruto deploys military to quell protests

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At least five protesters have reportedly been shot dead by police in Kenya and a section of parliament has gone up in flames as demonstrations against new tax proposals escalate. An angry crowd breached police lines to storm parliament in the capital Nairobi before setting parts of it ablaze. In an address on Tuesday evening, President William Ruto said that an otherwise peaceful protest mainly by young Kenyans was infiltrated by ‘criminals’ and he said that all means would be deployed to “thwart any attempts by dangerous criminals to undermine…

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Local artistes light up Musanze as Kagame begins presidential campaign

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Rwandan musicians Bruce Melodie, Bwiza, Dr Claude, Ariel Wayz, Alyn Sano and Riderman led the stage with powerful performances that left residents in Musanze District entertained as Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi) and its flag bearer Paul Kagame began presidential and parliamentary campaigns at Busogo ground on Saturday, June 22. The first stop of the campaign, which is set to reach 19 districts of Rwanda, attracted tens of thousands of RPF allied party members, all who were not only happy to see their candidate, but also to witness performances by some…

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Rwandan MPs ask DR Congo to disarm FDLR, address historical grievances

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The presence in eastern DR Congo of the FDLR, a UN-sanctioned group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, unresolved historical grievances and blaming Rwanda for the M23 rebellion have led to diplomatic rift between the two countries, according to the Rwandan Parliament. This was said on Wednesday, June 5, as an ad hoc house committee set up to investigate the role of colonial legacy in conflicts in the Great Lakes Region and its impact on DR Congo-Rwanda tensions presented its findings to a Plenary Session. According…

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RSSB to launch Rwf30bn equity investment facility for SMEs

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Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) is set to launch a Rwf30 billion equity investment facility for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in a move to address the financing gap to growth and scalability. The development was announced by Regis Rugemanshuro, the chief executive of RSSB, who indicated that the proposed Fund will be domiciled and operate in Rwanda. He said the target is to launch it before the end of 2024. “If we were only looking for returns, there are many funds that are already doing that,” he said, noting…

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They laud the benefits attributed to the conservation of Birunga Park 

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By Diane NKUSI NIKUZE Rwandan Government established policies and measures meant to protectand conserve and countering the decrease in biodiversity, as a result, its enshrined in the Vision 2050, where its anticipated that Rwanda will be driven by an economy which will be environment friendly, and resilient to climate change.  Its in that context that the residents of Nyange and Kinigi Sectors in Musanze District formed different Cooperatives, and among them include the ex-poachers, and today they are proud of the benefits they attribute to the protection the biodiversity in…

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How can Africa claim its place on global stage?

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At the just-concluded Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, a complex question was posed. The question asked whether Africa should be at the table or on the menu, and whether this was a critical moment to shape a new future for Africa. There was, at least, consensus that Africa has to be at the table, which means that it is an vital moment for the continent to establish itself as an independent and influential force on the global stage. But this consensus did not come without an even more intricacy. Rwanda’s…

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The miraculous benefit of selenium micronutrient against HIV and SARS-COV-2

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Selenium is a micronutrient that is found in our bodies in small amounts but plays a supporting role in regulating the body’s immune system, fight inflammation, reduce intravascular coagulation, support detoxification and fight viral replication. Selenium works by inhibiting a protein found in the cytoplasm called Nuclear-factor kappa-B (NF-kB). When NF-kB is released from its inhibitor I-kB, it increases both inflammation and viral replication. With the help of sufficient selenium naturally, cells lock it safely away in the cytoplasm to prevent it from causing these two negative effects that occur…

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The Complexities of WASH: Challenges and Opportunities for a Sustainable Future

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The Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector plays a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being of communities around the world. However, the sector faces numerous challenges that hinder its potential to provide universal access to clean water, adequate sanitation, and hygiene practices. Despite these obstacles, the WASH sector also presents several opportunities for transformative change, making it a vital area for global investment and innovation. Challenges in WASH Water Scarcity and Accessibility Access to clean and safe drinking water remains a significant challenge in many parts of the world. Climate…

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Rwanda hosting AMA headquarters could be a game-changer for health in Africa

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Rwanda and the African Union signed a host agreement for the African Medicines Agency (AMA), a specialised regulatory body for medical products, in June 2023. The establishment of AMA is a significant step towards enhancing healthcare infrastructure and advancing medical innovation. It marks a pivotal moment not only for Rwanda but for the entire continent, signifying a commitment to bolstering pharmaceutical regulation, promoting access to quality medicines, and fostering collaboration. Setting up the AMA headquarters in Rwanda carries profound implications for the future of healthcare across Africa. As the continent grapples…

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