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The event was attended by several ministers and officials from both the UAE and South Sudan, and international organizations.

The opening of the hospital — under the supervision of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council — underscores the UAE’s humanitarian commitment to developing and supporting communities in need and those facing challenges in accessing essential services, especially urgent healthcare and proper treatment, which is a fundamental requirement for all segments of society, including men, women, and children.

This is particularly significant in light of ongoing health challenges, such as the spread of malaria caused by insufficient medical services and inadequate access to medication. As a result, Madhol Field Hospital will play a key role in improving the quality of healthcare in South Sudan.

During his speech at the hospital’s inauguration, Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, affirmed that the development and charity projects implemented by the UAE are a fundamental aspect of the country’s commitment to supporting communities in need. The UAE’s initiatives are carried out in close collaboration with the relevant international organisations, focusing on international priority projects such as education and healthcare.

'The inauguration of Madhol Field Hospital embodies the legacy of generosity and giving established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and also reflects the visionary leadership focusing on development and solidarity of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, in addressing healthcare challenges and providing sustainable solutions to struggling regions with significant shortages in access to essential healthcare services,' he stated.

“The UAE is dedicated to empowering communities through humanitarian and development projects, as well as individuals through skills development.Today, as we celebrate with South Sudan and reap the benefits of our strong bilateral relations and deep-rooted values, we announce the inauguration of Madhol Field Hospital, which has a 100-bed capacity, and several specialized clinics to treat approximately two million people from the host community, South Sudanese returning from Sudan, and Sudanese refugees in Northern Bahr el Ghazal state,' Sheikh Shakhboot added.

He emphasized that this hospital is the third healthcare facility built by the UAE to provide medical services to Sudanese refugees in neighboring countries. The facility follows the successful establishment of two field hospitals in Amdjarass and Abéché, Chad.

“Since its founding, humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians, particularly the sick, children, the elderly, and women, have served as the foundation of the UAE’s policy.

“In this regard, the UAE has been resolute in its position in relation to the crisis in Sudan since April 2023. The country’s primary focus remains on addressing the catastrophic humanitarian situation, and adopting an approach prioritising civilians’ requirements and fulfilling their needs,' Sheikh Shakhboot remarked.

Furthermore, Sheikh Shakhboot underscored the UAE’s steadfast and unwavering commitment to support all efforts to address this catastrophic crisis, and to work alongside regional and international partners to ensure stability and peace for the Sudanese people, reflecting the core values ​​of humanitarian solidarity deeply rooted in the UAE’s leadership and people.

He continued, 'The UAE announced an additional USD 200 million of aid during the High-Level Humanitarian Conference for the People of Sudan, held in Addis Ababa. The conference, the first to be held for Sudan this year, will serve as a catalyst for future conferences that are scheduled to assist the people of Sudan. The additional aid reflects the UAE’s unwavering and continuous support for the Sudanese people.

'Since the onset of the crisis, the UAE has provided more than US$600 million to support a humanitarian response. Moreover, the UAE has provided US$3.5 billion of humanitarian aid over the past 10 years to the people of Sudan, affirming the country’s unwavering commitment to support people in need during crises.'

For his part, Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Deputy Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, underlined that the bilateral relations between the two countries are entering new levels of cooperation across various fields and sectors. The healthcare sector is regarded as a global priority that aligns with Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on promoting good health and well-being.

This is achieved through the establishment of medical infrastructure, including public hospitals and specialized centers, and the development of health systems – all aimed at capacity building and development, and addressing future challenges, such as the spread of diseases and epidemics. Madhol Field Hospital will aim to provide essential medical services and treatments to various segments in the Madhol region and surrounding areas.

For his part, Dr. Humphrey Karamagi, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative for South Sudan, said, 'We express our appreciation to the UAE for its leading international humanitarian efforts in enhancing the healthcare sector in Africa, through several projects and initiatives. These include the construction of hospitals to meet the needs of millions and improve various healthcare services. The opening of Madhol Field Hospital today stands as one of the UAE’s projects aimed at serving people from various surrounding regions, including refugees.'

For his part, Simon Uber Mawut, Governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal thanked the UAE for constructing Madhol Field Hospital, which will aim to address health challenges in the region.

“Today is a historic day for the residents of Northern Bahr el Ghazal state and the entire region,' he noted.

The United Arab Emirates has inaugurated the Madhol Field Hospital in the Northern Bahr el Ghazal state of the Republic of South Sudan, following the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

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Muhoozi, who was among the commanders of the UPDF special military operation to protect Juba in 2013, today warned that any move against President Salva Kiir would be considered a declaration of war against Uganda.

'We, the UPDF, only recognize one President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir. He is our 'Afande’ even in UPDF because he is the younger brother of Mzee. Any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda,' said Muhoozi.

'All those who commit that crime will learn what it means.' added the former Special Forces commander. He further revealed that Uganda’s Special Forces had already entered Juba as of two days ago to 'secure' the city.

The deployment of UPDF troops comes at a critical time when South Sudan is teetering on the edge of renewed conflict, following the latest clashes between SSPDF and the White Army, a Nuer youth militia that has overrun government positions in Upper Nile State.

The situation has escalated further with political arrests in Juba and accusations that First Vice President Riek Machar’s SPLA-IO faction is backing the White Army’s advance.

President Kiir last week ordered the arrests of SPLA-IO’s Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam and the Minister of Petroleum, Puot Kang.

The ongoing military confrontations and the mobilization of militia groups have increased fears of renewed large-scale conflict.

Uganda’s intervention echoes its previous military deployments in South Sudan, when President Museveni sent troops to protect Juba in 2013-2014, during the civil war that saw Machar’s forces attempt to overrun the capital.

At that time, UPDF was deployed to secure key government installations, including the State House, the army headquarters, and Juba International Airport.

The latest intervention signals Uganda’s direct military commitment to preserving Kiir’s hold on power at a time when the Revitalized Peace Agreement is under extreme strain.

The deployment of Ugandan special forces to Juba drastically shifts the power balance in South Sudan’s internal conflict.

It strengthens Kiir’s position militarily and politically while sending a clear message to opposition forces that any attempt to challenge his rule will face regional military retaliation.

For Machar and his SPLA-IO faction, Uganda’s move presents a significant obstacle. The White Army’s offensive in Nasir had already heightened tensions, and now with foreign troops securing Juba, the prospects of any military challenge to Kiir appear increasingly difficult.

Uganda’s previous involvement provoked retaliatory actions from opposition factions and escalated tensions with regional players who viewed Kampala’s move as an overreach into South Sudan’s sovereignty.

Kenyan President William Ruto has already been engaging Kiir and Machar in peace talks, urging dialogue to de-escalate tensions.

Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers ride atop their military truck.

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In recent years, faith-based organizations have significantly increased in Rwanda, with some churches renting conference rooms in prominent Kigali hotels, while others lease venues for events.

An inspection conducted in 2024 to evaluate whether churches were complying with laws passed in 2018 left over 9,800 places of worship shut down. More than 50 churches were stripped of their licenses, preventing them from operating in the country.

On March 6, 2025, RGB introduced new regulations that require religious organizations to submit proof of compliance with building and zoning requirements for any place of worship.

This ensures that only spaces that meet structural and location standards for religious activities will be allowed to operate.

Speaking to the RBA, Dr. Uwicyeza made it clear that the establishment of “mobile churches,” where people simply move from one rented space to another, will not be tolerated.

She stressed that once religious groups face difficulties and leave, they create ongoing problems in the communities they leave behind.

Additionally, Dr. Uwicyeza strongly opposed the use of buildings not designated for religious purposes and repurposing them into places of worship. For instance, a building used as a bar on one day and a church the next would not be permitted under the new regulations.

Moreover, churches cannot operate in buildings that do not meet the required standards. Attempts to bypass the regulations by renting spaces that technically meet building standards but fail to fulfill the requirements for religious activities will result in the loss of operating licenses.

The updated regulations require that individuals wishing to establish a church or its branches in a given area must gather signatures from at least 1,000 people who believe the religious space will benefit the community.

Furthermore, they must demonstrate that the church will contribute positively to local development.

Dr. Uwicyeza also raised concerns over the exploitation of church workers, particularly those who work full-time without proper compensation.

A study by RGB in 2023/2024 revealed that only 23.1% of religious organizations had clear documentation on their operations, vision, and implementation strategies, while 76.9% had approved budgets and operational plans.

Additionally, only 30.8% of faith-based organizations employed permanent staff with signed contracts and benefits such as health insurance and pension contributions.

She emphasized that it is unacceptable for individuals working full-time from Monday to Sunday without salary, pension contributions, or health insurance. As she said, such practices, which exploit workers, will no longer be tolerated.

Religious organizations planning to open new branches must also provide proof of contributions to social security for their workers, in line with set regulations.

As of July 2024, there were 345 religious institutions in Rwanda, with affiliated organizations bringing the total to 563.

Dr. Doris Uwicyeza Picard, CEO of the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), has emphasized that the government will no longer tolerate the practice of individuals establishing “mobile churches.”

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In response to the threat, the Federal Air Transport Agency implemented temporary flight restrictions at two major airports in Moscow.

Both Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports were affected by the safety measures aimed at protecting civil aviation.

The restrictions were enforced at 04:24 Moscow time (01:24 GMT) at Zhukovsky and at 04:40 Moscow time (01:40 GMT) at Domodedovo, with both airports temporarily halting aircraft arrivals and departures.

Russia has shot down 58 Ukrainian drones in Moscow Region.

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A total of 36 people were rescued following the incident, with one crew member taken to the hospital, stated Matthew Atkinson, Divisional Commander of the Coastguard.

The collision occurred near the coastal city of Hull and involved the U.S.-registered oil tanker Stena Immaculate and the Portuguese-flagged container ship Solong.

Efforts to assess the environmental impact of the incident are ongoing, with reports confirming that jet fuel has leaked into the sea.

Several crew members reportedly abandoned ship following the collision, and both vessels were said to have been on fire, according to a statement by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

The Stena Immaculate, which had come from the Greek port of Agioi Theodoroi, was anchored just outside Hull at the time of the collision. Meanwhile, the Solong had been on its way from Grangemouth, Scotland, to Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Both vessels were said to have been on fire after the accident.

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The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday in Kigarama Sector, Mburabuturo Village, after Siborurema broke into a home and stole valuables, including cash, two smartphones, a laptop, shoes, trousers, and a shirt.

The homeowner, who lives alone, noticed the intruder and immediately alerted the neighborhood security patrol, which then contacted the police.

According to Rwanda National Police (RNP) Spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga, officers and security personnel arrived at the scene, prompting Siborurema to flee toward a nearby swamp.

“The community patrol agents had called officers from Kigarama Police Station, and together they pursued the suspect. Upon reaching the swamp, he dropped the stolen items, grabbed a machete, and attempted to attack one of the patrol agents. A police officer then shot him, resulting in his death,” said ACP Rutikanga.

Authorities confirmed that Siborurema was a repeat offender with a long history of theft-related arrests dating back to 2016.

Between May 2017 and March 2018, he spent nine months in prison for theft. In 2018, he was arrested again, served a short prison sentence, and was later sent to the Iwawa Rehabilitation Center, where he spent a year.

Following his release, he was arrested again for theft and imprisoned in Mageragere Prison from June 2020 to June 2022. However, after his release, he resumed criminal activities and was sent back to Iwawa.

Siborurema was among those recently discharged from Iwawa on March 7, 2025, after undergoing rehabilitation for theft and drug abuse.

ACP Rutikanga urged individuals returning from rehabilitation at Iwawa to take advantage of the skills and opportunities provided to them.

“Iwawa is designed to help individuals reform and reintegrate into society as productive members. Those who return to criminal activities will not be tolerated,” he emphasized.

The stolen items, including the laptop, smartphones, shoes, and clothing, were recovered and will be returned to their rightful owner.

The incident happened in Kicukiro District as the suspect alegedly attempted to flee toward a nearby swamp.

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The Presidential Communications Office confirmed that Interpol in Manila received an official copy of the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) earlier that morning.

'Upon his arrival, the prosecutor general served the ICC notification for an arrest warrant to the former president for the crime of crime against humanity,' the government said in a statement.

'He’s now in the custody of authorities,' it said.

The charge of crimes against humanity stems from Duterte’s harsh anti-drug campaign. During his presidency from 2016 to 2022, the controversial 'war on drugs' led to thousands of deaths, including those of children, with the arrest warrant stating that suspects were denied due process under the law.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) welcomed Duterte’s arrest, calling it 'a crucial step toward accountability in the Philippines.'

The Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019, during Duterte’s administration.

As president, Duterte spearheaded a controversial “war on drugs,” which garnered significant attention both locally and internationally.

Former Philippine President Duterte has been taken into Police custody.

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This, she said, was because everything I needed in life was owned by people. So, if I had people, I would get whatever I wanted.

At just 11 years of age, I couldn’t fully understand the weight of her words, but over time, I came to realize it wasn’t about the number of people around you but the quality of the relationships you build.

I am grateful that having followed her advice, I’ve always been able to connect with people easily, build strong connections, and foster long-lasting friendships.

Over time, I have come to understand women as the source of life. They give birth to us, they nurture and raise us. This is simply because women are naturally patient, persistent, courageous, and remarkable managers. They are the pillars of development in families, nations and continents.

If women can give birth and raise the soldiers who defend us, then surely they can be great soldiers themselves. Women are more than capable of becoming colonels, generals, and leading battles.

If they give birth to famous individuals and raise gifted people, they can excel in any field. Be it as singers, dancers, designers, pastors, or leaders.

As we celebrate International Women’s month, it’s crucial that we recognize their heroism and the sacrifices they make for all of us. Women are not only life-givers, but they are the ones who shape homes into families. They carry the weight of pregnancy, which is nothing short of a battlefield.

Pregnancy is not a pleasant experience. It’s a journey that lasts nine months, carrying immense physical and emotional risks. Women spend these months walking through life with another developing human being in the womb.

While pregnancy is a battlefield, the delivery process itself is a thin line between life and death. Many women tragically lose their lives during childbirth, while others lose their babies after that gestation period.

Those who survive and become mothers emerge as nothing short of heroes, having faced challenges that most cannot even imagine.

As we celebrate women this month, we must remember the sacrifices they make for us to exist. Our mothers pay the price for our lives, our wives pay the price for our children, and our daughters pay the price for future generations.

Women die so that we can live. They eat and drink even when they don’t feel like it, just so we are nourished. They sleep not because they feel tired, but to ensure we rest. Their sacrifices are priceless, and their love is endless. They are the foundation of our existence, the driving force behind our progress, and the source of our success.

As men, we ought to recognize and advocate for the little things they need. Simple things like allowing them to take a few days off for their monthly cycles, or easing their working conditions by allowing them to work from home during painful periods. These small actions would have a profound impact on their lives.

And to the ladies, you can be anything you want in this world. You may be the first, but certainly not the last.
If Vigdís Finnbogadóttir and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf became presidents, if Isabel Perón and Speciosa Wandira-Kazibwe became vice presidents, if Benazir Bhutto and Sirimavo Bandaranaike became prime ministers, if Sandra Day O’Connor and Aloysie Cyanzayire led the Supreme Court, then you can.

If Agathe Uwilingiyimana and Malala Yousafzai became heroes, if Nyirarwinyana Ndabaga and Loretta Perfectus Walsh became soldiers and warriors, if Meron Rugazora and Harriet Quimby became pilots” then you, too, can achieve anything.

These remarkable women, and countless others, should be the symbols of strength and courage. Women should be celebrated, not just on a single day, but all the time.

The author is a Pan-Africanist and poet

Bertin K. Ganza.

Bertin K. Ganza

During the meeting, President Kagame was accompanied by Francis Gatare, his Special Advisor, and Murangwa Yusuf, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning.

The World Bank, established in 1944, is an international institution responsible for providing loans and grants to support development projects in emerging economies.

Over time, the Government of Rwanda and the World Bank have signed several development agreements, including a Frw355billion deal signed in December 2024 to support environmentally sustainable private-sector investments.

Between March 14 and September 9, 2025, government and the World Bank will collaborate on six projects focusing on environmental protection, urban transportation services, refugee assistance, and disaster response.

For these initiatives, the World Bank plans to provide Rwanda with USD 531.81 million (over Frw763billion) to support project implementation, pending approval by the Bank’s Board of Directors.

President Paul Kagame, on March 10, 2025, met with Qimiao Fan.

During the meeting, President Kagame was accompanied by Francis Gatare, his Special Advisor, and Murangwa Yusuf, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning.

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