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The Israeli army on Friday refused to confirm or deny reports that its recent airstrike in the southern suburbs of Beirut was aimed at Hezbollah leader Hashem Safieddine.

The significant nighttime attack has raised questions regarding its intended target, particularly amid speculation that Safieddine was being considered as a successor to Hezbollah's slain leader Hassan Nasrallah.

According to the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, the Israeli Air Force conducted the attack using fighter jets, dropping approximately 73 tons of munitions on what was described as Hezbollah's main intelligence headquarters in Beirut's southern suburb.

However, the army has declined to comment on the presence of Hezbollah officials during the strike or to confirm whether Safieddine was indeed the target of the operation.

The airstrike followed Israeli warnings to local residents in several areas of the suburb, urging them to evacuate their homes.

Reports from Israeli media suggested that Safieddine was present in a bunker at the time of the attack, but it remains unclear whether the assassination attempt was successful.

Channel 12 reported that the attack aimed at Safieddine highlights the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah and the delicate balance of power in the region.

Analysts warn that tensions could further escalate, impacting stability in Lebanon and beyond.

Hezbollah has not commented specifically on the strike. However, the incident comes just a week after the head of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli attack.

Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in cross-border warfare since Israeli war on Gaza began on Oct. 7 last year, which has killed nearly 41,800 people, most of them women and children.

In Israeli attacks on Lebanon, at least 1,947 people have since been killed, nearly 9,400 injured, and 1.2 million others displaced, according to Lebanese authorities.

The international community has warned that Israeli attacks in Lebanon could escalate the Gaza conflict into a wider regional war.

* Writing by Ikram Kouachi​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The post Israeli army neither confirms nor denies targeting of Hezbollah leader in Beirut attack appeared first on The Custom Reports.

Source : https://thecustomreports.com/israeli-army-neither-confirms-nor-denies-targeting-of-hezbollah-leader-in-beirut-attack/

Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/prime-energy-commended-for-issuing-rwanda-s-first-green-bond

The program seeks to ensure that all children have access to nutritious meals, enabling them to focus on their studies and improve their academic performance.

Although the Rwandan government covers 90% of the school feeding costs, some families struggle to contribute the required Frw1,000 per trimester.

To address this gap, the #DusangireLunch campaign encourages individuals and communities, both within Rwanda and abroad, to support the initiative. A donation of Frw1,000 can provide meals for one child for a term, while Frw3,000 covers a full year.

Motivated by the campaign, RCA-China, mainly composed of students, organized a fundraising drive in August 2024 with the aim of supporting at least 1,000 children. In just one month, they raised funds to cover meals for 2,276 children.

Claudien Habimana Simbi, President of RCA-China, praised the generosity of the Rwandan community in China, stating, 'We are committed to supporting our country’s development programs. No contribution is too small; your donation can change the life of one child and have a lasting impact on Rwanda’s sustainable development. Let us continue to be an example of boundless cooperation.'

The #DusangireLunch campaign emphasizes that everyone, regardless of their location, can help ensure no child in Rwanda goes without a meal at school due to financial hardship.

The campaign has also received support from the Rwandan community in Turkey, which contributed over Frw1 million.

#DusangireLunch campaign was launched in June 2024 by the Ministry of Education in partnership with Mobile Money Rwanda and Umwalimu SACCO.

Other contributors to the campaign include Mobile Money Rwanda, which pledged to support 10,000 students over one year with Frw30 million, and Umwalimu SACCO, which committed to providing lunch for 8,500 children over two years, worth Frw51 million.

As at September 11, the Ministry of Education had collected Frw143 million through the campaign.

Since its nationwide expansion in 2021, the school feeding program has contributed to a 4% decrease in primary school dropout rates by June 2024.

The school feeding program has contributed to a 4% decrease in primary school dropout rates by June 2024. It seeks to ensure that all children have access to nutritious meals, enabling them to focus on their studies and improve their academic performance.

Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwandan-community-in-china-contributes-nearly-frw7-million-to-dusangirelunch

Notably, in the first nine months of 2024, more electric vehicles were imported than in any previous year, underscoring a rapid transition on Rwanda’s roads.

This surge can largely be credited to the government’s removal of import taxes on electric vehicles, part of a broader initiative to reduce air pollution and decrease dependency on fuel-based products.

These efforts have gained even more significance in the context of rising global fuel prices, driven by ongoing conflicts worldwide.

The majority of electric cars in Rwanda come from South Korean automakers such as Kia and Hyundai, which have become known for offering affordable and stylish electric vehicles.

These brands are quickly gaining traction compared to traditional market leaders like Toyota. Among the most popular models in Rwanda are the Kia K5, Kia 7, and Hyundai Sonata, with prices ranging between 12 million and 15 million Rwandan francs. Most of these cars are secondhand, typically from 2012 to 2016.

Imported as used vehicles, they usually take about two months to arrive in the country, though before recent global disruptions, delivery could take as little as one month.

Other electric car options in Rwanda include models from Chinese manufacturers such as BYD, Dongfeng, and Nissan, as well as Toyota’s RAV4 hybrids. However, electric cars from German manufacturers like VW, Mercedes, and BMW are less common due to their higher price points.

The growth in electric vehicle imports has been dramatic. In 2020, Rwanda imported only 19 fully electric cars, with no hybrid models. By 2021, this number had increased to 38 electric vehicles and 28 hybrids.

In 2022, the figures rose to 134 electric cars and 520 hybrids, followed by a jump in 2023 to 103 electric vehicles and 2,386 hybrids. By 2024, imports had climbed to 218 electric cars and 3,726 hybrids. In total, since 2020, Rwanda has imported 512 electric cars and 7,172 hybrid vehicles.

Prior to 2020, electric car imports were minimal, with fewer than 10 per year. For example, only one electric car was imported in 2018, and 10 in 2019.

Government incentives drive growth

The Rwandan government’s elimination of Value Added Tax (VAT) on electric vehicles, replacement parts, batteries, and charging equipment has been a key driver of this growth.

In 2019, the tax exemption amounted to 26.7 million Rwandan francs, rising to 101.6 million in 2020, and reaching 498.7 million by 2021.

According to the Rwanda Revenue Authority’s 2022/23 report, the government forfeited a total of 4.6 billion Rwandan francs in tax revenue due to electric vehicle imports.

Globally, electric vehicles have been in production since 2008, spurred by concerns over rising oil prices and increasing emphasis on reducing air pollution.

Since 2020, when Rwanda began its major shift towards electric vehicles, the country has seen its electric car fleet grow to over 7,000.

Dongfeng is among Chinese manufacturers present on Rwanda’s market.

Toyota Prius brands continue to increase in Rwanda despite growing criticisms globally.

Rwanda has different electric charging stations across the country.

Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-s-electric-vehicles-surpass-7-000

Rwanda is making progress in enhancing ophthalmic services, with the number of locally trained and practicing eye care specialists now reaching 30 following the graduation of four others last week.

In an exclusive interview, Dr. John Nkurikiye, the Chief Ophthalmologist and Director of Rwanda International Institute of Ophthalmology (RIIO), shared insights on the state of eye care in the country, ongoing efforts to raise awareness, and the future of ophthalmology in the country.

The excerpts;

What eye care services are currently available in Rwanda, and how can people efficiently access these treatments and resources in their communities?

Over the past 15 years, eye care services in Rwanda have significantly evolved. Today, we no longer need to refer any ophthalmic cases abroad for specialised treatment. Our facilities are equipped to handle the majority of eye diseases, including surgical care.

The RIIO iHospital is a new player in the market, offering the latest surgical and imaging technologies. Other notable centers providing comprehensive eye care services include Kabgayi Eye Unit and Kibagabaga Eye Clinic, in the public sector, as well as Rwanda Charity Eye Hospital and Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital, in the private sector.

What strategies can be implemented to prevent vision loss, and what proactive measures must be taken at individual and community levels to safeguard eye health?

Many causes of vision loss are preventable or treatable. For instance, vitamin A deficiency can be avoided through a balanced diet rich in vitamin A. Infections like trachoma can lead to blindness in some countries, but this is not a big issue in Rwanda, where face washing remains a key preventive measure.

 

Brigadier General Prof John Nkurikiye Prof John Nkurikiye, the Medical Director at RIIO iHospital Rwanda during an interview.

Eye injuries are common causes of unilateral blindness in young people and can be prevented by wearing protective eyewear during activities such as welding or working with chemicals. It's crucial to advise children against playing with sharp objects.

I also want to stress the importance of avoiding traditional medicine. Many herbal remedies can cause irreversible damage to the eyes. Some medications, particularly those for malaria, tuberculosis, and steroids, can have side effects that adversely affect eye health.

Complications from diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and glaucoma can lead to blindness, but early detection can prevent this. Babies can be born with various eye conditions that may cause blindness, yet early detection can help preserve their vision. Regular eye checks are essential for detecting diseases early and preserving sight.

Is there adequate awareness among Rwandans regarding eye health, regular check-ups, and hygiene?

Unfortunately, no! Very few Rwandans seek regular health checks when they are not sick, and this includes eye health. There is a need for health education to raise awareness about the importance of eye care.

What is the current prevalence of blindness in Rwanda, and how does this data reflect the broader challenges and opportunities in addressing vision health?

Approximately 2% of individuals over the age of 50 experience blindness, while around 0.5% of the general population is affected. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness, accounting for 56% of cases, yet this condition can be effectively treated through a simple 10-minute surgery.

What key reforms and innovations are needed to transform Rwanda's eye care services, and how can these actions lead to improvements in patient outcomes?

To transform eye care in Rwanda, we need to train more specialists, aiming for at least one ophthalmologist per district to achieve a ratio of 1 to 250,000 people. Individuals must take responsibility for their health, demanding quality services and being willing to pay for high-standard care.

 

The hospital was founded to address the gaps in the provision of eye care services in Rwanda

Eye care relies heavily on technology, which is often expensive. Service providers should be able to recover their investments to sustain quality services.

What challenges are holding back Rwanda's eye health services, and what urgent measures are needed to bridge these gaps and ensure accessible, high-quality care for all?

The biggest challenge we face is a shortage of human resources. We also need the capacity to maintain our medical equipment, which requires training local biomedical engineers to handle the specialised technology used in eye care. Moreover, public hospital tariffs often do not meet the actual cost of services, leading to further difficulties in providing adequate care.

What strategies can be implemented to reduce the country's reliance on foreign funding for eye care, and how can sustainable, locally-driven solutions be developed to ensure long-term success?

Public facilities' tariffs do not adequately cover service costs, not just in eye health, but across various healthcare services. The government could subsidise expensive super-specialty services to make them more accessible in the public sector.

Currently, many big hospitals can only provide these services with the support of NGOs. While this model works while NGOs are present, it becomes unsustainable once they leave, as local tariffs often cannot support the necessary costs. For example, retina surgery in a public hospital may only cost about $30 from the Community Based Health Insurance (Mutuelle de santé), which is just a fraction of the total cost.

What cutting-edge technologies are being introduced to revolutionise eye care and how are these innovations shaping the future of vision health in the country?

One of our advancements at RIIO is the introduction of ocular electrophysiology tests, which have improved our ability to investigate the causes of visual loss, especially in children. This technology helps differentiate between various genetic causes of visual impairment.

We are also rolling out the use of artificial intelligence in screening diabetic patients for eye complications. This technology is a game-changer, particularly given the shortage of retina specialists. It has been tested locally and has demonstrated high reliability.

We are excited to announce that we will host the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital next year. This state-of-the-art airplane is equipped with the latest simulators for teaching eye surgery and includes a modern eye theater for performing complex surgeries. The plane will be in Kigali for about 15 days, and we will share more details with the public as our plans develop.

The post Transforming eye care in Rwanda: Expert sheds light on country's plans to improve vision health appeared first on The Custom Reports.

Source : https://thecustomreports.com/transforming-eye-care-in-rwanda-expert-sheds-light-on-countrys-plans-to-improve-vision-health/

American biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences, on Thursday, October 3, announced that it will donate about 5,000 vials of its antiviral drug Remdesivir for emergency use in response to the Marburg virus disease outbreak in Rwanda.

In a statement it issued on Thursday, Gilead said it will make the donation to the Rwanda Medical Supply in conjunction with Rwanda's Ministry of Health, and the Africa Centers for Disease Control (Africa CDC).

'The recent Marburg outbreak in Rwanda is one of the largest in history and while the country has built a strong public health system, filoviruses like Marburg can lead to significant morbidity and mortality,' said Anu Osinusi, Vice President of Clinical Research for Hepatitis, Respiratory and Emerging Viruses at Gilead.

'With Gilead's broad experience in virology, we are committed to helping support the response to this outbreak as efficiently as possible. Our immediate focus is working closely with government and health authorities to provide access in Rwanda to remdesivir for emergency use.'

During a press briefing on the Marburg virus outbreak, which was co-hosted by Africa CDC Director Dr Jean Kaseya, Rwanda's Health Minister Dr Sabin Nsanzimana said that the country was expecting around 5,000 doses of Remdesivir for emergency treatment of patients that are highly in need.

Dr Kaseya said Africa CDC was working closely together with Rwanda and Gilead to get the therapeutics for the haemorrhagic fever disease.

He pointed out that even if Remdesivir was not 100 per cent confirmed as an effective drug for Marburg virus, 'we have evidence that this drug is treating the disease.'

Remdesivir is being provided for the treatment of Marburg Virus Disease in Rwanda following the authorisation for emergency use by the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA), Gilead said in the statement.

Meanwhile, it informed that remdesivir is not approved for the treatment of MVD anywhere globally, and the safety and efficacy of this use is not known.

As of October 3, the Ministry had confirmed 37 cases of the viral disease. Of those cases, 11 people had died of the disease.

21 were in isolation and receiving treatment, while five had recovered, according to the ministry.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Marburg virus disease is a severe, often fatal illness in humans — its average case fatality rate is around 50 per cent, with case fatality rates having varied from 24 per cent to 88 per cent in past outbreaks depending on virus strain and case management.

There is no licensed treatment proven to neutralise the virus so far, but a range of blood products, immune therapies and drug therapies are currently under development, WHO indicated, adding that early supportive care with rehydration, and symptomatic treatment improves survival.

'We will continue to partner closely with the Rwanda Ministry of Health and other local and global groups and we're hopeful that early intervention and treatment with remdesivir could be helpful in responding to this Marburg outbreak,' said Johanna Mercier, Gilead's Chief Commercial Officer.

The post Marburg virus: Gilead confirms remdesivir drug donation to Rwanda appeared first on The Custom Reports.

Source : https://thecustomreports.com/marburg-virus-gilead-confirms-remdesivir-drug-donation-to-rwanda/

Global eye care charity Orbis International will for the very first time conduct a two-week training project in Rwanda, next year, on board the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital, the world's only fully accredited ophthalmic teaching hospital on a plane.

Rwanda International Institute of Ophthalmology (RIIO) will host the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital, Dr. John Nkurikiye, the Chief Ophthalmologist and Director of RIIO,

Asked what cutting-edge technologies are being introduced to revolutionise eye care in the country, Dr. Nkurikiye said: 'We are excited to announce that we will host the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital next year.

'This state-of-the-art airplane is equipped with the latest simulators for teaching eye surgery and includes a modern eye theater for performing complex surgeries. The plane will be in Kigali for about 15 days, and we will share more details with the public as our plans develop.'

Orbis International, an international non-profit non-governmental organization dedicated to saving sight worldwide, is well known for its Flying Eye Hospital, an ophthalmic hospital and teaching facility located on board a McDonnell Douglas DC-10, an American trijet wide-body aircraft.

The Flying Eye Hospital brings training to doctors and nurses in developing countries with little access to professional development and training.

Orbis International's programmes focus on the prevention of blindness and the treatment of blinding eye diseases in developing countries through hands-on training, public health education, advocacy and local partnerships.

Dr. Nkurikiye also said that one of the advancements at RIIO is the introduction of ocular electrophysiology tests, which have improved the country's ability to investigate the causes of visual loss, especially in children. Visual electrophysiology is a collection of advanced techniques used to test the functioning of cells along the full visual pathway — from the retina to the optic nerve to the primary visual cortex in the brain.

'This technology helps differentiate between various genetic causes of visual impairment,' he said, adding that: 'We are also rolling out the use of artificial intelligence in screening diabetic patients for eye complications.'

'This technology is a game-changer, particularly given the shortage of retina specialists. It has been tested locally and has demonstrated high reliability.'

The post Rwanda to host Orbis Flying Eye Hospital in 2025 appeared first on The Custom Reports.

Source : https://thecustomreports.com/rwanda-to-host-orbis-flying-eye-hospital-in-2025/

Ukraine may have to recognize the loss of some of its territory to Russia in order to achieve peace and security guarantees, Jens Stoltenberg said in his first long interview after stepping down as NATO secretary-general.

Stoltenberg ended his ten-year tenure as the chief of the US-led alliance on October 1. In a conversation with the Financial Times published on Friday, he said that Kiev may be forced to rethink seeing the restoration of the 1991 borders as a prerequisite for any peace deal.

Stoltenberg suggested that 'a kind of new momentum' would come after the US presidential election in early November, possibly ushering in 'ways to try to get movement on the battlefield combined with movement around the negotiating table.'

The West should 'make the conditions' that would enable Ukraine to 'sit down with the Russians and get something which is acceptable… something where they survive as an independent nation.'

Asked what he would propose to Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky, the former NATO chief offered a comparison to the resolution of the Soviet-Finnish war nearly 85 years ago.

'Finland fought a brave war against the Soviet Union in '39. They imposed much bigger costs on the Red Army than expected,' he said. 'The war ended with them giving up 10% of the territory. But they got a secure border.'

Under the March 1940 treaty, Finland ceded a large portion of the Karelia region and Viipuri, its second-largest city at the time (known as Vyborg in Russia).

Stoltenberg argued that Ukraine could obtain security guarantees from NATO even 'if there is a line that is not necessarily the internationally recognized border.' He noted that the US defense pact with Japan does not cover Tokyo's claim on the Kuril Islands, which are part of Russia, and that West Germany was admitted to NATO despite the fact that East Germany was controlled at the time by a separate, Soviet-aligned government.

'When there is a will, there are ways to find the solution. But you need a line which defines where Article 5 is invoked, and Ukraine has to control all the territory until that border,' Stoltenberg said, referring to the section of the NATO treaty, which outlines the duty of member states to defend each other.

Russia has said that it would not accept Zelensky's ten-point 'peace formula' and not relinquish control over Crimea and four other regions, which Kiev and its backers continue to view as Ukrainian territory under illegal occupation.

Kiev's hopes of imposing its terms appear more distant after the failed 2023 counteroffensive and Russia's new victories in Donbass, where Moscow's troops have been making steady progress throughout 2024. During its renewed advances, the Russian Army pushed the Ukrainians out of several heavily fortified towns, including Avdeevka, which fell in February, and Ugledar, which was captured earlier this week.

The post Kiev may have to accept loss of territory — Stoltenberg appeared first on The Custom Reports.

Source : https://thecustomreports.com/kiev-may-have-to-accept-loss-of-territory-stoltenberg/

The summit’s opening session took place at the historic Villers-Cotterêts castle in France on October 4. A closed-door meeting of Heads of State is scheduled for Saturday, October 5.

The summit is being held under the theme, 'Creating, Innovating, and Entrepreneurship in French.'

Earlier, on October 3, Foreign Ministers from Francophonie member states convened to discuss issues affecting member countries.

Topics of discussion included the ongoing war in Lebanon, which is currently engaged in conflict with Israel and security challenges in Haiti among others.

It was agreed that the next Francophonie Foreign Ministers’ meeting would be held in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2025, with Rwanda being the only nation that applied to host the event.

Several Heads of State who had initially confirmed their participation did not attend.

These included King Mohammed VI of Morocco, who was represented by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, and Tunisia’s President Kaïs Saïed, who was represented by Prime Minister Kamel Madouri.

Other included Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Congo’s President Denis Sassou Nguesso, Djibouti’s President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, Togo’s President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, Angola’s President João Lourenço, Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, and Comoros’ President Azali Assoumani, who recently survived a knife attack.

Guinea’s President Mamadi Doumbouya also did not attend, despite Guinea recently being released from sanctions previously imposed by the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).

The International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) comprises 88 member states, united by the shared goal of promoting the French language.

President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame arriving at the Élysée Palace to attend the dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife.

A closed-door meeting of Heads of State attending the 19th Francophonie Summit is scheduled for Saturday, October 5.

President Kagame exchanging greetings with Macron upon arrival in Paris.

Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/president-kagame-first-lady-attend-dinner-hosted-by-macron

Several dozen Ukrainian troops have surrendered in the Donbass city of Ugledar, which was captured earlier this week, the Russian Defense Ministry has said.

In a statement on Friday, the ministry said that as many as 83 Ukrainian troops surrendered across the front line over the past week, without providing details on the circumstances. Officials added that 44 surrendered during the 'mop-up operation' in Ugledar.

The heavily fortified town in the southern sector of the front was a linchpin of Ukrainian defenses in the area, with fighting raging there since August 2022. Ugledar also sits on a hill and consists almost entirely of high-rise concrete buildings, allowing for fire control of the surrounding terrain.

On Wednesday, TASS reported, citing sources, that some Ukrainian units in Ugledar suffered 'huge losses' after failing to get out of the town in time.

On Thursday, the Defense Ministry confirmed that the city was captured, later saying that Russian forces have generally taken 'more advantageous' positions in that sector of the front.

The post Dozens of Ukrainian troops surrendered in Ugledar appeared first on The Custom Reports.

Source : https://thecustomreports.com/dozens-of-ukrainian-troops-surrendered-in-ugledar/