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A statement issued Wednesday evening by Bayo Onanuga, a senior presidential spokesman, on behalf of Tinubu, described as “devastating” the night inferno in Majiya, a town in the Taura local government area of Jigawa late Tuesday.

According to the statement, the Nigerian leader directed a delegation of senior officials to condole with the families of the deceased, assess the situation at the scene of the incident, and visit scores of injured people in the hospital. He also directed that emergency aid, including medical supplies, food, and shelter, be extended to the victims receiving treatment and others affected by the tanker fire.

While assuring the citizens of the government’s better commitment to the swift and comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols across the country, Tinubu further directed the road safety police to strengthen night travel measures, such as increased patrols, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and other highway safety mechanisms to prevent recurrences of the incident.

Earlier the police had confirmed at least 90 people killed and 50 others injured following the explosion. The victims were mostly people who had rushed to the scene to collect gasoline after the tanker lost control and overturned, a police spokesman earlier told Xinhua.

A mass burial for the deceased was held Wednesday morning, said Shi’isu Lawan Adam, the spokesman for the police in Jigawa.

Xinhua

They are part of 25 cows, which were reported stolen in Nyagatare, Gatsibo and Kayonza districts between July and September, this year.

About 63 people connected to the theft have been arrested in the same period.

The RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, said: “Suspects are in four categories; those who steal cows from farms including herdsmen, those who slaughter them, those who transport them and buyers. We have been able to break these chains due to the strong partnership and information sharing with the public.”

He added that increased operations have also led to the arrest of drug traffickers and smugglers.

“Due to these increased operations, drug traffickers and smugglers have resorted to spreading rumours of insecurity and sometimes these gangs attempting to assault people as a way of causing fear so that they do not share information on their cross-border criminal activities.

Some of them have been arrested and the search for other members of the ring is still underway,” ACP Rutikanga said.

Some of the arrested suspected smugglers, drug traffickers and cattle thieves.

IGIHE

The medal pinning ceremony for 180 officers of Rwanda Formed Police Unit Three (RWAFPU 3-2) deployed in Bangassou, was presided over by the UN Police Sector Commander East, Abigail Unaeze.

It was also attended by the CAR Governor-East, Victor Bissekoin, force commander in eastern region, Innocent Masse Noudjoutar, local grassroots leaders and peacekeepers from other contributing countries.

Madam Unaeze thanked the decorated officers for their professionalism and serving with pride and courage.

“These eleven months spent within MINUSCA were certainly intense for you, but we celebrate your sacrifice in overcoming the mission challenges to bring about peace and stability in this country,” Unaeze said.

She added: “I will not ignore your many community and humanitarian actions for the benefit of the population such as blood donation, medicine aid, water distribution to the vulnerable population; these define the mandate of protection of civilians.”

The RWAFPU3-2 Contingent Commander, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Methode Munyaneza, thanked MINUSCA, CAR leadership, local leaders, Bangassou residents as well as other peacekeepers for the support and partnership in accomplishing the mandate.

He also thanked the officers under his command for the discipline and commitment to international service since their deployment in November 2023.

Rwanda maintains four Police contingents under MINUSCA; three Formed Police Units and a Protection Support Unit (PSU).

Rwanda FPU-1 and PSU operate in the capital Bangui while FPU-2 and FPU-3 are deployed in Kaga-Bandoro and Bangassou, respectively.

The PSU is largely charged with ensuring protection for high profile government and UN officials, including the Prime Minister, President of National Assembly, Minister of State in charge of Justice, and MINUSCA Head of Police component, among others.

Rwandan Police peacekeepers serving underMINUSCA, were on Tuesday, October 15, decorated with Service Medal for their dedicated service and sacrifice to international peace.

UN has decorated 180 Rwandan Police peacekeepers in CAR.

The medal pinning ceremony for 180 officers of Rwanda Formed Police Unit Three deployed in Bangassou, was presided over by the UN Police Sector Commander East, Abigail Unaeze.

IGIHE

In an official statement released on the evening of October 16, 2024, the RDF responded to three specific allegations made by journalist Barbara Debout, dismissing them as false.

One claim involved the alleged rape of “Jeanne,” a vegetable and fruit vendor, by a Rwandan peacekeeper at the Bangui base in 2023. The RDF clarified that their peacekeeping bases in CAR do not admit unregistered civilians without official business, making the claim impossible.

Another accusation concerned the alleged rape of “twenty-eight-year-old Grace” in the northern town of Paoua. The RDF emphasized that no Rwandan peacekeepers have ever been deployed in that area, rejecting the claim outright.

The third allegation involved the rape of “two women in Ndassima,” a location 400 kilometers from Bangui. The RDF stated that neither Rwandan bilateral forces nor Rwandan MINUSCA peacekeepers had ever been stationed in Ndassima, making the accusations baseless.

RDF stressed that sexual violence against civilians by peacekeepers is unacceptable and that it takes all accusations against its troops seriously.

However, they maintained that the claims presented by the journalist were fabricated.

RDF also pointed out that, by the author’s own account of comments from displaced civilians in Bria, sexual assaults that had been occuring previously stopped when Rwandan troops were deployed in the area.

Highlighting the discipline and integrity of its peacekeepers, the RDF underscored that Rwandan troops have upheld their mission with respect for local communities and adherence to the core values of civilian protection and the Responsibility to Protect (R2P).

Over the past 20 years, Rwandan peacekeepers have been recognized for their effectiveness and reputation.

“The RDF will continue to support peace and stability in the Central African Republic and wherever else Rwandan peacekeepers are deployed,” the RDF concluded.

The Rwandan troops were deployed to assist the Central African Republic (CAR) when armed groups in the north united to form the rebel group Séléka, which attempted an unsuccessful coup d’état.

Rwandan soldiers have been present in CAR since early 2014. Initially part of the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA), the mission later transitioned to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), which began on April 10, 2014.

Their mandate includes protecting civilians, UN assets, and the President of CAR.

In 2020, Rwanda sent additional troops to the Central African Republic through bilateral agreements between the two countries.

In April 2022, CAR President Prof. Archange Touadéra commended the RDF for its exceptional role in restoring peace and stability, awarding medals to Rwandan troops for their outstanding contributions during challenging times.

The medal award ceremony took place at the office of President, Palais dela Renaissance, in Bangui capital city and was attended by different CAR government officials and the Chief of General Staff of Central African Republic Armed Forces.

Rwandan troops have been present in CAR since early 2014.

Rwandan peacekeepers are renowned for discipline and their professionalism.

Théophile Niyitegeka

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Xinhua

Speaking at the farewell ceremony held in the parliamentary building, where he was accompanied by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, President Kagame honored Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera ‘s legacy.

The event, attended by senior government officials and family members, included a moment of silence in remembrance of the late colonel.

Reflecting on his connection with Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera, President Kagame recalled knowing him since the 1970s, describing him as one of the first individuals to envision a plan for Rwandans in exile to return home.

Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera’s commitment to Rwanda was highlighted as a cornerstone in the movement that helped Rwandans in exile, from neighboring countries and beyond, return and rebuild their nation.

“I know him well. He played a significant role and sacrificed himself to the best of his ability, just as he did when working with others,” he remarked.

When the Liberation Struggle began, Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera stood with other patriotic Rwandans and contributed significantly to the cause.

Even though he is no longer alive, Kagame said, he lived to witness the impact of his sacrifices and efforts for national unity and progress.

The President emphasized Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera’s dedication, noting that despite external influences attempting to sway him from his mission, he remained steadfast in his commitment to Rwanda’s development.

Kagame expressed gratitude for Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera’s service, urging those present to not only mourn his death but also celebrate his life and legacy.

Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera’s brother, Col (Rtd) Kamili Karege, spoke on behalf of the family, providing insights into his life. He thanked the government for its unwavering support during his brother’s battle with cancer, which he fought for 13 years.

Born on May 20, 1954, in Kayonza District, Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera fled to Uganda with his family in 1962 where he pursued his primary and secondary education.

He later pursued a medical degree at Makerere University and worked in various hospitals in Kenya before joining the National Resistance Army in Uganda.

In 1990, Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera joined the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) during the Liberation Struggle, where he led medical services.

Following the end of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera became Rwanda’s first Minister of Health.

He also served as the Minister of Education, Rwanda’s Ambassador to South Africa, a senator, and a member of the National Elders Advisory Forum prior to his demise.

Julienne Uwacu, Second Vice Chairperson of Unity Club Intwararumuri, praised Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera’s contributions to national development, stating that his legacy would always be cherished.

His funeral service preceded by a mass at Regina Pacis before he was laid to rest.

Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera is survived by his wife, Anne Numutali, and their seven children.

President Kagame emphasized that Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera remained steadfast in his commitment to Rwanda’s development.

President Kagame paid tribute to Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera along with senior government officials.

Théophile Niyitegeka

The malaria vaccine would be introduced in April 2025 targeting children aged from six months to five years, said the ministry in a statement.

According to the ministry, for every 10 sick people in Uganda, three have malaria, while for every 10 children below five years old admitted to the hospital, six have malaria and may die. Among every 100 pregnant women, 20 suffer malaria and risk losing their babies and even their own lives.

“The introduction of the malaria vaccine will strengthen the government’s efforts in further reducing the incidence and severity of malaria and contribute to overall childhood survival and reduction of infant/child mortality,” the ministry said.

Data from the health ministry showed that malaria kills between 70,000 to 100,000 people in Uganda annually, mostly pregnant mothers and children.

The life-threatening disease is responsible for 30 to 40 percent of outpatient hospital visits, 15 to 20 percent of admissions, and 10 percent of inpatient deaths.

The malaria vaccine would be introduced in April 2025 targeting children aged from six months to five years, said the ministry in a statement.

Xinhua