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Amb. Gashumba shared the update through her X account, where she highlighted their conversation during the Annual Reception hosted by King Frederik André Henrik Christian of Denmark on January 6, 2025.

The event, held at Christiansborg Palace, gathered diplomats and representatives to celebrate the beginning of the new year.

'At the annual reception hosted by Their Majesties, I had the honor of meeting Queen Mary, a passionate advocate for Global Health, who praised Rwanda’s health progress,' Dr. Gashumba posted on X.

The Queen expressed a strong interest in strengthening ties between Rwanda and Denmark, especially with the anticipated opening of the Danish Embassy in Kigali.

Queen Mary Elizabeth also acknowledged the collaboration between the Maternity Foundation—an organization she supports, which advocates for maternal and child health worldwide—and the Rwanda Nurses and Midwives Association (RMA). This partnership aims to ensure safe childbirth for mothers in Rwanda.

'This conversation reaffirmed the power of partnerships to transform lives and build a healthier future for all. Together, we explored how strong partnerships can transform communities,' Dr. Gashumba remarked.

Rwanda’s maternal and child health achievements

Over the past two decades, Rwanda has reduced maternal mortality by 80%, showcasing its dedication to improving healthcare systems.

According to the Statistical Year Book 2024 by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), maternal mortality rates have fallen from 1,071 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 203 per 100,000.

This decline reflects the success of targeted healthcare policies and investments in maternal health.

Key contributors include increased antenatal care coverage, with 98% of mothers in Rwanda receiving at least one antenatal visit by 2023. Early detection and timely interventions have played a vital role in preventing maternal deaths.

Skilled birth attendance has also improved significantly, with 94% of deliveries now assisted by trained health professionals, ensuring safer outcomes for both mothers and newborns.

Additionally, infant and under-five mortality rates have seen notable reductions. Infant mortality decreased from 107 per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 33 in 2023, while under-five mortality dropped from 196 to 45 per 1,000 live births.

Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Nordic countries, Dr. Diane Gashumba

IGIHE

According to reports, the earthquake, centered in Tsogo Township, Dingri County, struck at 9:05 a.m. (Beijing Time). Within a 20-km radius of the epicenter, 27 villages with around 6,900 residents were severely impacted.

Authorities reported 407 people rescued and over 30,000 residents relocated as temperatures in the region dropped to minus 17 degrees Celsius.

In the worst-hit areas of Tsogo and Chamco, many homes were reduced to rubble, forcing residents to seek shelter in open spaces.

Tragic losses were reported in Chamco’s Gurum Village, where 22 people, including 11 children, perished.

Nationwide rescue efforts

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for “all-out rescue efforts” to minimize casualties. More than 12,000 rescuers, including firefighters, police, and soldiers, have been deployed.

Relief supplies, including cotton tents, winter coats, and specialized materials for the cold, have been dispatched to the quake-hit areas.

The government has allocated 200 million yuan (approximately 27.8 million USD) to support relief and post-disaster emergency recovery. Resettlement sites are operational, providing shelter, food, and water. Telecommunications in the hardest-hit areas have been restored.

Dingri County, with a population of over 61,000, lies on the northern slope of the Himalayas, bordering Nepal.

It is home to the northern base camp of Mount Qomolangma. While the Mount Qomolangma scenic area has been temporarily closed, no damage has been reported to Tashilhunpo Monastery in Xigaze.

Rescue efforts and recovery continue in the wake of this devastating earthquake.

Rescuers work at a village in Dingri County in Xigaze, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, Jan. 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

IGIHE

The fighters, hailing from Rubavu District, crossed the plain separating Rwanda and the DRC, traveling from their Kibati base in Nyiragongo Territory. They entered Rwanda through Kigezi Village, Kageshi Cell, in Busasamana Sector.

Rubavu District Mayor Mulindwa Prosper confirmed to IGIHE that the combatants are currently under the care of Rwandan authorities.

Officials are engaging with them to help them understand the development and progress of their home country.

'We, as local leaders, are responsible for welcoming them, providing them with information about their country, and helping them reintegrate before they return to the community. These individuals have been living in another country and involved in combat for some time. We are still educating them,' said Mayor Mulindwa.

The mayor commended their decision to return home peacefully, noting that they did not pose any security threat during their entry into Rwanda.

He also reassured others who wish to follow suit that they will be received in a similar manner.

Upon receiving the news of their surrender, local village leaders informed superiors, who in turn called on security forces to facilitate the fighters’ reception.

The combatants handed over three AK-47 rifles and one communication device upon entering Rwanda.

The individuals leave behind comrades still aligned with the Congolese military in their ongoing conflict with the M23 rebel group, which continues to capture territories in North Kivu Province.

Three FDLR combatants hailing from Rubavu District, crossed the plain separating Rwanda and the DRC, traveling from their Kibati base in Nyiragongo Territory.

IGIHE

The Head of State arrived in Accra on Tuesday morning and was warmly received by the local military and traditional dancers before proceeding to Black Stars Square in the Ghanaian capital, where the ceremony took place.

Mahama, a former president and opposition figure, won December’s presidential election with 56.55% of the vote. The 66-year-old made a comeback to the presidency after serving as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2016.

Mahama’s main rival, Vice President and ruling-party presidential candidate Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat in both the presidential and legislative elections to ease tensions.

Rwanda and Ghana maintain robust bilateral relations, characterized by active diplomatic engagement and cooperation across various sectors.

Rwanda-Ghana cooperation dates back several decades. In 1994, the Ghanaian contingent under the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) was among the few that remained in Rwanda to protect civilians targeted during the Genocide against the Tutsi, despite UN orders to evacuate.

Since then, Rwanda and Ghana have strengthened their relations and cooperated on multiple fronts, with the establishment of Rwanda’s resident High Commission in the West African country in 2020 playing a pivotal role.

Currently, Rwanda and Ghana have signed a General Cooperation Agreement (GCA), a Bilateral Air Service Agreement, an Agreement for the establishment of a Joint Permanent Commission, and Memoranda of Understanding in various sectors, including Defense and Security Cooperation, private sector collaboration, tourism, arts and culture, financial sector cooperation, and trade and economic cooperation.

These cooperation instruments continue to be pursued in other sectors to facilitate collaboration between the public, private, and civil society.

To further strengthen relations, Ghana appointed its first resident High Commissioner to Rwanda last year, establishing a resident High Commission to elevate bilateral ties to a higher level.

The Head of State arrived in Accra on Tuesday morning and was warmly received by the local military and traditional dancers.

President Kagame was warmly received by the local military and traditional dancers before proceeding to Black Stars Square in the Ghanaian capital, where the ceremony took place.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

France’s health ministry said the patient, a woman from the Brittany region, had not travelled to Central Africa but had contact with two individuals who had recently returned from the area.

“Inquiries are underway to find the origin of the infection and identify all people in contact,” the ministry stated.

Mpox is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected animals, with human-to-human transmission occurring through close physical contact. Symptoms include fever, muscular aches, and large boil-like skin lesions. While many cases are mild, the disease can be deadly.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency over mpox in August 2024, renewing the alert on November 22 following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The clade 1b variant has been reported across 80 countries, including 19 in Africa. European nations have been advised to prepare for rapid action to contain the latest variant.

In response to the new variant, France’s health ministry has implemented recommended oversight measures to monitor and control the spread of the virus.

The WHO continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and preparedness to prevent further spread of the virus.

France’s health ministry said the patient, a woman from the Brittany region, had not travelled to Central Africa but had contact with two individuals who had recently returned from the area.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Indonesia’s candidacy was endorsed by BRICS leaders back in 2023, but the world’s fourth-most populous nation of over 270 million opted to join the group only after the formation of its new government last year.

'Indonesia shares with the other members of the group support for the reform of global governance institutions, and contributes positively to the deepening of cooperation in the Global South,' the Brazilian government said in a statement.

'With the largest population and economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia shares with other members a commitment to reforming global governance institutions and contributes positively to deepening South-South cooperation,' it added.

BRICS was founded in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining two years later. Although the group was originally envisioned as a platform for mutual investment and ensuing financial stability, it later evolved into a forum with a broader agenda, including security matters.

Last year, the group was expanded to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates as full-fledged members. Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Cuba, Uganda, Malaysia, and Uzbekistan have been named among those expected to officially become BRICS partner states this year.

Indonesia is the newest member of the BRICS.

Meanwhile, Indonesia released a statement on Tuesday welcoming its entry into the bloc of developing economies increasingly seen as a counterweight to the West.

'This is a strategic step to improve the collaborations and cooperation with other developing nations, based on the principle of equality, mutual respect, and sustainable development”, the Jakarta statement said.

It also expressed Indonesia’s gratitude to brazil and Russia, the 2024 BRICS chair, for the support and leadership in facilitating Indonesia’s joining.

During its presidency, Brazil aims to boost cooperation between countries of the “Global South” and reform multilateral institutions.

One of the objectives, according to the government of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, is the development of means of payment to facilitate trade between member countries.

During the last BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, in November 2024, member nations discussed boosting non-dollar transactions and strengthening local currencies.

This raised the ire of US President-elect Donald Trump, who threatened the group’s members with “100 percent tariffs” if they undercut the US dollar. This year’s BRICS summit will take place in Rio de Janeiro in July.

Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (L) with Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on November 18, 2024.

Sam K Nkurunziza

CAF has confirmed that the seeding for the draw will reflect team performances from the past three CHAN tournaments (2018, 2020, and 2022), ensuring a fair distribution of strength across the groups. The teams have been allocated into three pots based on their recent track records:

Pot 1: Co-hosts Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania join defending champions Senegal and two-time titleholders Morocco, setting the stage for a competitive top tier.

Pot 2: Includes strong contenders such as Guinea, Zambia, Madagascar, Rwanda, and Sudan.

Pot 3: Features rising stars and seasoned challengers, including Mauritania, Niger, Congo, Angola, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Central African Republic, and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

This year’s CHAN tournament promises to be historic as it will be the first-ever edition co-hosted by three nations—Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

The competition, exclusively showcasing players from domestic leagues across Africa, will run from February 1 to February 28, 2025, offering a month of thrilling football action.

The CHAN tournament has become a cornerstone of African football, offering a unique platform for homegrown talents to shine on the continental stage.

Rwanda is included among the strong contenders such as Guinea, Zambia, Madagascar and Sudan in Pot 2.

Sam K Nkurunziza

Amid a winter storm and with towering black fences encircling the U.S. Capitol complex, the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate convened in a joint session around noon to certify President-elect Donald Trump’s election, marking the final step in confirming the results of the 2024 presidential election.

The session of U.S. Congress was chaired by the current Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate who lost to Trump in the election.

Harris presented the electoral vote results from each state and the District of Columbia, and two Senators and two House representatives took turns to announce the vote counts.

The final tally of electoral votes showed that Trump received 312 electoral votes, surpassing the 270 needed to win the presidency, while Harris received 226 votes.

The congressional counting and certifying of electoral votes is typically a ceremonial procedure. However, the “Capitol riot” four years ago occurred on the very day of this process.

After losing his bid for re-election in 2020, Trump claimed there had been widespread election fraud.

On January 6, 2021, a large group of his supporters stormed the Capitol in an attempt to prevent Congress from certifying the election results.

The riot resulted in five deaths and hundreds of police officers being injured. The latest data shows that over 1,500 individuals have been charged with federal criminal offenses related to the unrest.

Many Americans have expressed their concerns about post-election violence. According to a POLITICO-Morning Consult poll, six in ten voters said they were either very or somewhat concerned that “another event like what happened on Jan. 6 will happen again following the 2024 presidential election.”

President-elect Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the nation’s 47th president on January 20, officially beginning his second, nonconsecutive term.

The session of U.S. Congress was chaired by the current Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate who lost to Trump in the election.

Xinhua