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Suicide, The Inaudible Agony

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We’ve all heard about people who gave up their life just because they could not keep on moving with whatever that comes their way. And you could be sitting in your house or anywhere wondering how someone can afford to sacrifice his own life like; which way? how exactly can a person hate himself at that extent?

In the study carried out by World Health Organisation (WHO), it is shown that more than 700000 people die by suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds and there are indications that for each adult who died there may have been more than 20 others attempting suicide at that time. In fact, for all the deaths worldwide, suicide accounted for 1.3% making it the 4th leading cause of deaths in teenagers between 15 and 29 years old globally in 2019.

With this information, suicide is a global phenomenon. The study also shows that 77% of suicides occurred in low and middle-income countries and we can say that suicide was and still is a serious public health problem.
Suicide is much more connected to mental disorders, particularly; depression. This is where a person starts to feel discouraged and sad, loses hope, become unmotivated with anything that actually excites him, seems uninterested with life, having problems with sleeping, no appetite or sex drive and sometimes a person may feel aches and pain in the body.
Many suicides happen in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, family conflicts, spouses break-up, at the stage of chronic diseases and illness, violence or any kind of abuse, loss of a loved one, lack of a support network and bullying or discrimination of any group.

We are in the middle of a global pandemic: “COVID-19” which has affected the lives of many in one way or another. so far Some have lost their jobs, some lost their families by Covid-19,others have been removed from their everyday occupations to reduce interactions between people, some entertainment activities have been stopped and with all that, social and economic lives of people are at stake. Some families hardly get what to eat, which in turn increase conflicts among individuals with everyone trying to get himself enough resources needed and at the end of the day, someone is so tired of that life that he cannot keep going through all that and that is where all the suicide attempts come from.

Even though it seems impossible but, suicide prevention is way possible that we can think. It all starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously. Psychologists say that suicidal individuals give warning signs of their intentions and the best way to stop them is by recognizing these warnings. These may include: talking about suicide, self-harm, like “I wish I hadn’t been born,” seeking out lethal means like guns, pills, knives or other objects that could be used, unusual focus on death or violence, writing poems or stories about death, feeling hopeless, trapped (there’s no way out), self-hatred, feeling like a burden, unusual visits or calls to family and friends while saying goodbye ,withdrawing from friends and family, increasing social isolations, desire to be left alone, self-destructive behaviours like increasing drugs use, unsafe sex, reckless driving, taking unnecessary risks, a sudden sense of calm and happiness after being depressed
People do not really hate themselves at the extent of wanting to die. The anger, sadness and pain that burn through them bring loneliness and suffering becomes unbearable that they feel like they are left with no other option except showing the world how that truly hurts when no one shows them that they care.

This concludes that suicide must be stopped in one way or another but, it has to start from individuals. You need to recognize what you and your loved ones are going through, care about yourself. You do not have to wait till life is not hard anymore, be present in a moment to listen to what your feelings are, remember; don’t judge yourself because you are not what happened to you, support yourself, love yourself and others in any way possible, be around people who are caring and positive and work with a therapist and keep this in mind: “whatever you’re going through will pass.”

All About Volcanoes National Park

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Young mountain gorilla eating, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

The famous Volcanoes National Park is a renowned national park located in northwestern Rwanda, in the Virunga Mountains. It is part of the larger Virunga Massif, which also extends into Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is best known for being home to a significant portion of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the park:

Location and Geography Of Volcanoes National Park 

Volcanoes National Park is situated in the northwest of Rwanda, bordering Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It encompasses a range of volcanic mountains, including Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Sabyinyo, and Gahinga. The park’s landscape is characterized by dense bamboo forests, lush montane rainforests, and alpine meadows.

Wildlife and Biodiversity in Volcanoes National Park 

The park is renowned for its diverse and rich biodiversity. The major attraction is the endangered mountain gorillas, but it also houses other rare and unique species such as golden monkeys, African buffalo, spotted hyenas, and a variety of bird species. The mountain gorilla population in this park is among the highest in the whole world.

Conservation and Preservation

Volcanoes National Park plays a vital role in the conservation and protection of endangered mountain gorillas and their habitat. Conservation efforts are led by organizations like the Rwanda Development Board, which work to combat poaching, habitat destruction, and other threats to the park’s wildlife.

Community Involvement and Eco-Tourism:

The park’s management emphasizes community involvement and sustainable eco-tourism practices. Revenue generated from tourism contributes to community development, education, healthcare, and conservation initiatives.

Things to Do in Volcanoes National Park

Here are some of the activities that you can do in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Mountain Gorilla Tracking In Volcanoes National Park 

Volcanoes National Park is primarily visited for gorilla trekking, which allows visitors to observe and interact with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking Permits are required for gorilla trekking and should be obtained in advance through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

The permits can also be booked through a registered tour operator. Gorilla trekking remains one of the most expensive safari activities on the African continent but many people have found it worth the money given the conservation progress that has been made partly because of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

Golden Monkey Tracking

In addition to gorilla trekking, visitors can also partake in golden monkey tracking, providing an opportunity to see and photograph these rare and playful primates.

Hiking and Volcano Climbing

The park offers various hiking and volcano-climbing opportunities. Climbing Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi are popular activities for visitors seeking a challenging adventure and breathtaking views.

Visiting Guidelines and Regulations

Visitors to Volcanoes National Park must follow specific guidelines and regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of both the wildlife and visitors. These guidelines typically include rules about maintaining a safe distance from the gorillas, minimizing impact on the environment, and respecting the local culture and customs.

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is a critical destination for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers, offering a unique opportunity to experience the incredible natural beauty and biodiversity of the Virunga Mountains while contributing to conservation efforts to protect endangered species.

The Journey of Kamagaju to Establish Autism Rwanda

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Rosine Kamagaju, Executive Director of Autism Rwanda has specialized in Autism while pursuing her scientific courses at Rio University in France. She came with other experts in Rwanda to help children with various needs, including those with Autism disorders.

The first idea to give support to Rwandan children started in 2010 when she came in Rwanda with a team of Belgium cooperation and other experts in various subjects.
Autism Rwanda was incepted in 2014 to help train children with Autism disorders. After revealing that the disorder is not known while many children were suffering from it, she decided to come back in 2014 and established Autism Rwanda.

“Parents used to discriminate children with autism, hiding them in the houses and It was in 2010, and they had no solution for that, later in 2014, my family and other volunteers helped me to establish Autism Rwanda. We have 7 years operating in this center and we started with six children and now we have many children. I am not happy for such a big number of cases but because Rwandans got to know what Autism is and its symptoms.” Kamagaju said.

Experts defines Autism as a developmental disorder of variable severity that is characterized by difficulty in social interaction and communication and by restricted or repetitive patterns of thought and behaviour.
Mayoclinic says that Autism can have several causes including:Genetics. “Several different genes appear to be involved in autism spectrum disorder. For some children, autism spectrum disorder can be associated with a genetic disorder, such as Rett syndrome or fragile X syndrome. For other children, genetic changes (mutations) may increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder.” Stated Mayoclinics.

Kamagaju said that Autism is everywhere in Europe, Africa and in Rwanda.
Her objective was to encourage the society cater for children with such an issue instead of hiding them.
“Any Autist worldwide has special needs and must be given special attention, I am happy that today parents come here to request for advice after revealing their children have Autism disorders.” She noted.
Kamagaju advises parents to be careful about their children and know the reason why they are not speaking and let them socialize with their peers at their early age.

“First of all, a child is identified in his/her oral expression and through moral and physical behaviors following their age categories. Most of the time a child cries when her mother is going, children with Autism do not do that. I advise parents who can observe all the three symptoms on their children to take them to pediatrics for treatment.” Kamagaju noted.

She explained that they welcome every child following the symptoms and age categories of the children. She said that an existing challenge is a small space and big number of children who need to be cared for.
“We identify the problems a child has and assist the parent by doing all we can do, we wish to have capacity to welcome as many as many children who come for our services.” She noted.

“I had opportunity to have other African partners we work together, my experience since 7 years is that Autism is in every African country, we went in cote divoire congo Brazzaville and we learnt that they have same problems as ours, in Autism Rwanda, we strive to make awareness so that people know autism and reduce this burden in our community.” She said.

She added that a child whose Autism symptoms were identified earlier has greater chance to be helped although this disorder in not curable.
She explained that a child with Autism can perform everything in his/life and all depend on the level of the autism they have.

Kamagaju said that these children are monitored to know their talents and helped to develop them. She warned the society to not hurt these children as they have full rights to enjoy their potentials as other children.
“I have a good example of a France man called Joseph Schuanneck who has more than 10 diploma and speaks more than 10 languages, he is an Autist and he is an expert in many disciplines because he was assisted and educated since he was a child. He is a self-reliant man and proud of himself. At Autism Rwanda, we also want to take our Autist children at a good level that is promising for a brighter future.” She said.

“I first observed autism in France in 1995, and in Burundi. Myself do not have an Autist child, I specialized in Autism to give my contribution in supporting children with such a problem. The success requires collaboration with parents to prepare the children of Autism for a brighter future.” Kamagaju said.
Since its establishment in 2014 todate, Autism Rwanda has 57 children with Autism whose status are in different levels.

The long and shorts of Autism awareness in Rwanda

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With the initiative of Madame Rosine DUQUESNE Kamagaju – Founder & Director of Autism Rwanda, the awareness campaign and social intervention in helping families with Autist-children began in 2014 in Rwanda.

Before the establishment of Autism Rwanda, the autisim was not unknown, posing a very critical issue and depression to the families of these children where they were discriminated and called names depriving them of human rights.
In a detailed interview with founders of Autism Rwanda, The Express News compiled pieces of the elements that made Autism Rwanda to exist and to get to the current achievements where they have to date supported over 200 children from 200 families since the beginning.

Anicet Kayumba, Vice-president and member Co-founder of Autism Rwanda said that Autism Rwanda has great and long history for him since 2012 when he went to visit Madame Rosine DUQUESNE Kamagaju in Normandy/France.
He then saw a child with Autism, which he considered abnormal at his first observation.

Anicet Kayumba, Vice-president and member Co-founder of Autism Rwanda

“When I went to visit Rosine in 2012 in France, I had no idea with Autism, a France woman with an Autist child came there, I saw the child’s behaviours as unusual comparing with Rwandans, then I asked Rosine what the disorder is, then she told me it is Autism, I thank Rosine and her husband Sebastian to explain me about Autism, we later decided to come back in Rwanda and start the initiative to support Autists, we briefed the idea to 6 to 7 people in Rwanda and we decided to establish Autism Rwanda.” Kayumba said.


Creating Autism awareness in Rwanda

“Children with such a problem in Rwanda were called various names including ignorant because some had mental disorders, when we started the initiative in Rwanda, Rosine taught parents about the symptoms of Autism and she used experts to consult children and explain more, then parents got to know that and many of them brought their children for assistance.” Kayumba added.

Autism Rwanda is now 7 years operating and helping Rwandans to address the issue of Autism, the centre plans to support many Rwandans and export the initiative beyond the nation.
Kayumba tells Rwandans to seek information from healthcare providers when they have children with such an issue.

Vision in 30 in Future

“I wish in 30 years ahead to have the entire country covered and go to the African region with our services where all people will have awareness of Autism and treat all children the same.” Said Kayumba.
Sebastien DUQUESNE, the husband of Rosine DUQUESNE Kamagaju is the Co-Founder of Autism-Rwanda. He said that Autism Rwanda is a local NGO that aims at creating awareness and advocating for children with Autism.
He explained how the centre was introduced in Rwanda.

Sebastien DUQUESNE co-Founder of Autism-Rwanda

“I knew Rosine in 1994, I was a volunteer helping vulnerable orphans children, we were married in 2010, Rosine was invited by Migrant des Gland Lacs, a UN program to intervene in mental disorder centre, she was trained, she gained an opportunity to live with a family with children with Autism and had experts who helped them to cater for these children, then we decided to bring the idea to Rwanda and take care of children with such an issue.” Sebastien said.
He said that they started with no idea as autism was not known in Rwanda.
He said that Rosine has taken all possible training in Europe and got a University degree in Associated Autism Disorder which also enabled her to implement the initiative.

Sebastian is a Sociologist and Social Entrepreneur Development Specialist. He noted that they had a vision to make Autism very important subject in Rwanda and bring sustainable solutions in the country and beyond.

Challenges at the beginning

“It was not easy at the beginning to start Autism Rwanda as it became necessary that the mother of children, my wife Rosine left us alone and came to Rwanda, which was far from us, the second challenge was financial constraint where Rosine quitted a salaried job in Europe.” Sebastien said.
Rosine DUQUESNE Kamagaju, Founder of Autism Rwanda said that they cater for children from 2 to 15 years old.

Rosine DUQUESNE Kamagaju – Founder & Director of Autism Rwanda

She explained that they started the services in 2014 at the beginning, where Autism was not known and everyone could understand it as new word.
“To date people are aware and they can search on internet and call us for more explanations and advice, we had 6 children at the beginning but now are over 200, who have approached us, many other people country wide keep calling us and come to seek for interventions, they now know Autism but there is still a journey to go as many still fear to expose the issue,” Kamagaju said.

She said that they are now happy to have supported many children and families at the higher extent level.
“Parents and us can be happy to see the improvement of the status of children, helping them requires much efforts and this is a challenge we have, but we are trying to cope with that and support our children efficiently.” She added.
She noted that Autism Rwanda has local partners including the Ministry of Health the Ministry of Education that they collaborate in seeking for sustainable solutions to Autism.

Sponsors

“We have partners including Sterling Foundation and we have many projects with them to be able to achieve a lot in 5 years ago in creating awareness of Autism, ensuring brighter future of our children with autism.” Kamagaju said.

She said that it is a long procedure to approach parents with children who have Autism symptoms to understand the status before they get support as it is not easy to tell a parent that his/her child has a health problem.

Autism symptoms

“Therefore, helping a child must be done earlier since parents reveal that they have the symptoms, it prevents of course the increase of crisis. Some of the symptoms include failure to speak at the early age until 5 years, social behaviour and collaboration with other children, etc. Many parents are not aware and they are advised to seek for medic assistance.” She noted.

The role of every Rwandan

“I call up on every Rwandan to be aware of Autism and help families and children with this issue to come through by avoiding hurting words as these children have rights as others.” Kamagaju said.

Autism Global Situation

Current global estimates state that about 1 in 160 children has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This estimate represents an average figure according to the World Health Organization, which states that some well-controlled studies reported findings that were higher and the prevalence from low- and middle-income countries is still
unknown.

Top Smartphones in Rwanda: The Leading Five and Honorable Mentions

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Rwanda’s smartphone market is rich with choices, catering to diverse preferences and needs. Like mobile shops in Uganda; Rwanda’s mobile shops have Samsung, iPhone and Tecno as their leading brands. Here’s a look at the top five smartphones, each offering impressive specifications, followed by noteworthy honorable mentions.

1. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra leads the pack with its 108 MP quad-camera setup, 16 GB of RAM, and a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s designed for those who demand the highest quality in photography and performance.

Though it is still behind the latest Samsung models, it is still ranks the most popular because of its affordability and performance.

2. iPhone 13 Pro Max

Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro Max boasts a powerful A15 Bionic chip, a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology, and a triple-camera system with 12 MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lenses. It excels in delivering a seamless and high-performance user experience.

The iPhone is a highly respected brand. Though Apple has newer models of the iPhone, iPhone 13 is the most popular in Rwanda because of the performance and price compared to the newer models.

3. Huawei P40 Pro

The Huawei P40 Pro features a 50 MP quad-camera system, Kirin 990 5G processor, and a 6.58-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. It stands out for its superior camera capabilities and solid performance.

Huawei is the best alternative for those who do not wish to carry very common brands like the Iphone and Samsung.

4. OnePlus 9 Pro

The OnePlus 9 Pro is equipped with a Snapdragon 888 chipset, a 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a Hasselblad-branded quad-camera setup. It is known for its rapid performance and fast charging capabilities.

5. Xiaomi Mi 11

Xiaomi Mi 11 features a 108 MP triple-camera system, Snapdragon 888 processor, and a 6.81-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It balances high performance with a competitive price.

Honorable Mentions

1. Oppo Find X3 Pro stands out with its 50 MP dual primary cameras and innovative design. 2. Google Pixel 6 offers a clean Android experience and exceptional low-light photography with its 50 MP main camera. 3. Tecno Phantom X provides solid performance and camera quality at a budget-friendly price. 4. Samsung Galaxy A52 delivers reliable functionality with a 64 MP quad-camera system and a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display. 5. Nokia 8.3 5G combines nostalgic appeal with modern features like 5G support and a 64 MP quad-camera setup.

These top five smartphones, along with the honorable mentions, showcase a range of options from cutting-edge technology to value-for-money choices, meeting the varied needs of Rwandan consumers.

Source: Rwandatechnews

Rwanda and DRC Resume Peace Talks in Luanda to Address Ongoing Conflict in Eastern Congo

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President Paul Kagame

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have resumed high-level discussions in Luanda, Angola, aimed at resolving the conflict in the eastern part of the DRC. These talks, part of a peace process mediated by Angola’s President João Lourenço, are focused on two main issues: dismantling the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda) rebel group and withdrawing Rwandan forces from Congolese territory.

In a recent interview with France 24, DRC’s Minister of Communication, Patrick Muyaya, confirmed the continuation of negotiations, stating that “ministerial meetings have resumed, and today, there was an expert meeting.” Muyaya further revealed, “We are working on two issues; on one hand, the FDLR must be dismantled, and on the other, Rwandan forces must withdraw.” The next key ministerial meeting, he added, is scheduled for September 14 to review the findings of the expert discussions.

The talks follow a comprehensive peace plan proposed by Angola’s President last month. According to Muyaya, this plan, though not yet fully disclosed, aims to bring long-term peace to the conflict-ridden eastern DRC. The BBC reports that Angola has been actively facilitating negotiations between the DRC and Rwanda, with both parties committed to reaching a peaceful resolution. However, details of the plan remain unclear as neither the Rwandan government nor the Angolan mediators have commented publicly on the discussions.

Tensions between Rwanda and the DRC have been high, with Kinshasa accusing Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group operating in eastern Congo. Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations, insisting that its military presence in the region is not linked to supporting M23. Nonetheless, the situation remains volatile, with both sides exchanging accusations of ceasefire violations.

According to Africa Intelligence, the Luanda talks have made “significant progress,” though the implementation of agreements reached so far remains a challenge. Intelligence officials from both countries, as well as representatives from the M23, have participated in previous meetings. The upcoming ministerial meeting is expected to further assess the outcomes of these negotiations and discuss the roadmap for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and the disbanding of FDLR forces.

Despite occasional clashes in the region, Muyaya expressed optimism about the peace process. “We believe we are on the right path that will lead us to peace,” he told France 24. However, BBC noted that on-the-ground conditions remain tense, with accusations of ceasefire violations by both government forces and rebel groups.

The international community is closely watching the developments in Luanda, with hopes that a peaceful resolution can be reached to end years of conflict in eastern Congo, which has displaced millions and caused widespread suffering.

As the talks continue, all eyes will be on the upcoming meeting in mid-September, where both sides are expected to outline concrete steps toward implementing the proposed peace plan and addressing the root causes of the conflict.

Former ISAR-Rubona Director, Venant Rutunga, Sentenced to 20 Years for Genocide Complicity

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On September 5, 2024, Venant Rutunga, the former director of ISAR-Rubona during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for complicity in genocide. Rutunga was found guilty of playing a role in the killings of Tutsi employees at ISAR and refugees who had sought safety on Mount Gakera, near the institution.

The High Court Chamber for International and Cross-Border Crimes, sitting in Nyanza, determined that Rutunga had requested the presence of gendarmes who later killed some of the Tutsi employees at ISAR and refugees who had fled to Gakera. While Rutunga argued that the gendarmes were called to protect the institution, the court ruled that his actions made him complicit in the killings, even though he did not personally participate in them.

Rutunga, who is 75 years old, had denied all charges during his trial. However, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him. Prosecutors had called for a life sentence, but the court took into account mitigating factors, such as Rutunga’s cooperation during the trial and the fact that this was his first conviction. After hearing the sentence, Rutunga did not show any visible emotion and quietly consulted with his lawyer, Me Sophonie Sebaziga.

Rutunga was extradited to Rwanda from the Netherlands in 2021, marking the first time the Dutch government had sent someone to Rwanda to face prosecution for crimes related to the genocide. Rutunga had lived in the Netherlands for over 10 years before his arrest in 2019.

The court acknowledged conflicting testimonies from witnesses regarding Rutunga’s alleged involvement in organizing rewards for the gendarmes after the killings, including claims that he provided them with a cow and drinks. However, the court found that these claims lacked sufficient evidence and dismissed them.

The court concluded that while Rutunga did not directly participate in the killings, his role in summoning the gendarmes was crucial. The judge described it as “essential support for the killing of Tutsis,” leading to his conviction for complicity in genocide.

Following the ruling, Rutunga’s lawyer, Me Sebaziga, stated, “We respect the court’s decision, as it is made in the name of the people.” He also mentioned that he would meet with Rutunga in prison to discuss whether they will appeal the decision.

This sentencing marks another step in Rwanda’s ongoing pursuit of justice for the crimes committed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, with efforts continuing both domestically and internationally to bring those responsible to justice.

Mpox Declared a Public Health Emergency in Africa Amid Rising Cases and Deaths

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The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has declared Mpox, commonly known as monkeypox, a public health emergency across the continent. This announcement comes in response to the rapid spread of the disease, which has so far infected over 13,700 people and claimed 450 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) this year.

The declaration aims to galvanize African governments into action, improving coordination in the fight against Mpox and ensuring treatment and vaccines reach the most affected areas. So far, Mpox has spread beyond the DRC to other nations, including Burundi, Rwanda, the Central African Republic, and Kenya.

Mpox Spread and Impact

Mpox is a highly contagious disease that initially spreads from animals to humans and then through close contact between people. Symptoms include fever, body aches, and rashes that can appear all over the body. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal.

Since its resurgence, the disease has caused concern among health experts due to its rapid spread. In Kenya, the first confirmed case of Mpox was reported in late July 2024, while both Burundi and Rwanda have already recorded cases. The latest figures show eight cases in Burundi and two in Rwanda.

Two Strains of Mpox

There are two main strains of the Mpox virus. The milder strain caused a major outbreak in 2022, affecting Europe, Australia, and the United States. This strain primarily spread through sexual contact. The more severe strain, which has led to the current crisis in the DRC, is more lethal and has established itself in Central Africa.

Vaccination Efforts

Although there are three vaccines available for Mpox, access remains limited. The vaccines are primarily administered to individuals at high risk, such as those in close contact with infected persons. Africa CDC officials are working to secure more doses for affected regions to help curb the spread of the disease.

International Concern

Health authorities outside Africa are closely monitoring the situation to assess the risk of Mpox spreading to other regions. As cases rise and fatalities increase, international efforts may soon be required to contain the disease and prevent it from becoming a global crisis.

The Africa CDC’s decision to declare Mpox a public health emergency is expected to help streamline efforts to combat the disease, ensuring that the affected countries have the necessary resources to fight the outbreak effectively.

Kagame’s Promises to Rwanda in the Fourth Term

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President Paul Kagame has been sworn in for his fourth term as Rwanda’s head of state, expressing his gratitude to Rwandans for their trust and outlining his vision for the country’s future. During a grand ceremony at Amahoro Stadium, attended by tens of thousands of Rwandans and over 20 African heads of state, Kagame emphasized that Rwanda would continue to surpass expectations, saying, “If you’ve given me the opportunity, we will achieve everything we desire.”

Kagame, who won last month’s election with 99% of the vote, addressed his country, acknowledging the significant progress made over the past 30 years. He assured Rwandans that his new term would mark the beginning of even greater achievements, stating, “This new term is the beginning of achieving even more so that we can reach all that we desire.”

Kagame’s Key Commitments to Rwandans

Through the manifesto of his party, the RPF-Inkotanyi, Kagame has laid out several key goals for his 2024-2029 term:

  • Water and Electricity: Ensure 100% access to clean water and electricity across the country.
  • Affordable Housing: Build low-cost homes to increase access to housing in urban areas.
  • Agricultural Growth: Increase agricultural output by 8% annually.
  • Industrial Growth: Raise industrial production by 13% per year.
  • Job Creation: Generate 250,000 new jobs annually.
  • Infrastructure Development: Construct and rehabilitate around 1,100 kilometers of paved roads.
  • Bugesera Airport: Complete the Bugesera International Airport project.
  • Aviation School: Establish an aviation and airport management school to build local expertise.

Addressing Regional Peace and Stability

Kagame also touched on regional peace, particularly the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo. He reiterated that peace in the region remains a top priority for Rwanda but stressed that it cannot be achieved unless those directly involved take decisive action.

DR Congo’s government has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, which controls parts of North Kivu Province. Kagame, however, pointed out that the root causes of the conflict must be addressed, particularly the persecution of Congolese Tutsis who speak Kinyarwanda. He also thanked Presidents João Lourenço of Angola and William Ruto of Kenya for their mediation efforts in the conflict.

Kagame concluded by emphasizing that peace requires active participation from all sides, saying, “Peace doesn’t come by itself; we must all play our part and do what is necessary to achieve lasting peace.”

With a clear roadmap laid out for the next five years, Kagame’s fourth term aims to build on Rwanda’s successes while addressing both domestic development and regional stability.

Rwanda Cancels 2024 Veteran Clubs World Championship

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Rwanda Cancels 2024 Veteran Clubs World Championship

In a disappointing turn of events, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has announced the cancellation of the highly anticipated 2024 Veteran Clubs World Championship (VCWC). Initially scheduled for September 1st to 10th at Kigali’s Amahoro Stadium, the decision comes following the termination of RDB’s collaboration with EasyGroup EXP, the event organizers.

The VCWC 2024 had promised to bring together over 150 football legends from across the globe, including stars like Brazil’s Ronaldinho Gaúcho, Liberia’s George Weah, Spain’s Gaizka Mendieta, and France’s Robert Pires. What was meant to be more than just a football extravaganza included five economic forums focusing on critical topics like Peace, Education, Health, Business, and Tourism, alongside initiatives promoting Gender Equality and Green Action.

With the cancellation of the tournament, these vital forums and initiatives, designed to tackle global challenges and foster collaboration, will no longer proceed. The cancellation is sure to disappoint fans worldwide who were eager to witness their favorite retired players, such as Ronaldinho Gaúcho, Patrick Mboma (Cameroon), and Tsuneyasu Miyamoto (Japan), return to the field.

Additionally, the cancellation affects the VCWC Corporate Cup, an amateur competition aimed at promoting fitness and unity among participants under 35. Local teams were set to pay $2500, while international teams would have paid $5000, each featuring a legendary player.