Category: English News

Climate change takes Centre stage at water congress in Kigali

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As the 2023 Water and Development Congress began in Kigali on Sunday, December 10, officials said climate change was “the biggest” hindrance to universal access to water and sanitation in both developed and developing countries. The congress organised by the International Water Association (IWA), the Rwandan government and the Water and Sanitation Corporation Group (WASAC) has attracted up to 1,000 delegates, including policymakers, water utilities corporations, academics and technologists and private sector and civil society players. It takes place as 26 per cent of the world’s population (two billion people)…

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Rwanda’s inflation eases ahead of festive season

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The increase of consumer prices on Rwanda’s market has eased, reaching 9.2 per cent in November, the first-time inflation has fallen below double digits in 2023. Inflation is the pace at which prices of consumables increase on the market year on year and on a monthly basis, it is calculated based on approximately 1,622 products in 12 urban centres of Rwanda. In November 2022, it reached its highest peak at 21.7 percent before starting a decelerating trend since the beginning of 2023, to round at 9.2 percent in November 2023,…

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M23 rebels vow to retake positions as EAC force begins withdrawal

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The M23 rebel group operating in eastern DR Congo has said it will reoccupy the positions it handed over to the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF). The announcement comes after the regional force began withdrawing from the positions in North Kivu Province on Saturday, December 2, less than 10 days before its mandate expires. “Following the departure of the EACRF from DRC, for the well-being of the civilian population, the M23 will recover and occupy all its areas that it handed over to EACRF at the beginning of the peace process,”…

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How to address, overcome the impact of gender-based violence

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While women are typically the primary targets of gender-based violence, its impact extends beyond the individual to society as a whole. Specialists point out that GBV undermines family dynamics, as children experience emotional harm from witnessing their mothers and sisters being abused. This can lead to the dissolution of households, placing added financial strain and negative societal consequences on the new female heads of household. In some cases, victims of GBV may also inadvertently transfer their frustrations onto their children. Annette Mukiga, a feminist and co-founder of Bold Women Rwanda,…

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Rwf317b Volcanoes National Park expansion to be piloted in 2024

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The pilot phase of the Volcanoes National Park Expansion project will kick off in 2024, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) CEO, Francis Gatare, has said. Gatare made the disclosure while appearing before the plenary sitting of the lower chamber of Parliament to provide answers to issues faced by the hospitality and tourism industry. The issues include poaching in reserves and parks, as well as the damage caused to residents’ crops by animals leaving the parks, and unresolved disagreements regarding the expansion of the Volcanoes National Park which have led to…

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Shifting focus from curative to preventive and promotive health

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In the evolving landscape of healthcare, a paradigm shift from curative to preventive and promotive health strategies has become increasingly imperative. This transition represents a fundamental reorientation in our approach to well-being, emphasizing proactive measures to forestall the onset of illnesses rather than predominantly reacting to them. The traditional model of healthcare predominantly centered on curative interventions, often addressing ailments after their manifestation, is being reshaped by a growing recognition of the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of preventive and promotive health measures. This article delves into the pivotal importance of embracing…

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Union of the blind calls for local production of white canes

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Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB), an organisation that campaigns for the rights of people with visual impairment, has called for the local production of special assistive tools, which are known as white canes. A white cane allows blind or visually impaired people to scan their surroundings for obstacles or orientation marks. It also helps onlookers to easily identify the user as blind or visually impaired and take appropriate care. The organisation says local production of white canes can make them more affordable. The call is being made ahead of…

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Former governor Gasana’s bail hearing underway in Nyagatare

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The former Governor of Eastern Province, Emmanuel Gasana on Friday morning arrived at Nyagatare Primary Court for his arraignment and bail hearing in a case in which he faces charges of abuse of office. He is also accused of soliciting and accepting illegal benefits. Gasana, who was suspended as Eastern Province Governor by the Prime Minister on October 25, before his arrest on October 26, faces allegations stemming from an investigation by the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB). The investigation focused on suspected criminal activities he allegedly committed during his tenure…

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Kagame in Riyadh ahead of inaugural Saudi-Africa summit

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President Paul Kagame on Thursday, evening, arrived in Riyadh for the inaugural Saudi-Africa Summit slated for November 10, the president’s office has announced. The summit, expected to take place at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, brings together leaders from over 50 countries throughout the Middle East and Africa. Saudi and African officials hope the meeting will lead to a long-term partnership between the Kingdom and the African Union, particularly capitalizing on pre-existing economic, cultural, and diplomatic relations while setting out to forge new ones. The summit comes at a…

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Suspended Governor Gasana faces two charges

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The National Public Prosecution Authority has submitted to Nyagatare Primary Court, the file case of suspended Governor Emmanuel Gasana for a bail hearing. Before his arrest on October 26, the Prime Minister suspended Gasana from the duties of being Eastern province Governor on October 25. Speaking to The New Times, Faustin Nkusi, the prosecution spokesperson stated that the case file was received on October 30 from Rwanda Investigation Bureau and submitted to the court on November 6. Nkusi highlighted that Gasana faces two charges; soliciting and accepting illegal benefits and abusing…

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