These findings were revealed at UR’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences (UR-CMHS) in Kigali on July 30, 2024. The technology is expected to provide substantial benefits to over two million Rwandans affected by hypertension.
The ‘Heart Care@Home’ technology is designed for early detection of blood pressure issues, enabling patients to self-monitor and reducing hospital queues, thereby easing the burden on those with limited resources.
The first phase of research, presented after two years of collaboration between UR and Ghent University, featured significant input from Rwandan health advisors who monitored participating patients.
Prof. Dr. Marc Twagirumukiza of Ghent University highlighted that the ‘Heart Care@Home’ technology could significantly reduce severe hypertension cases in Rwanda.
He noted, “This assists patients by minimizing hospital visits and improving medication adherence, ultimately enhancing the quality of care.”
The technology was tested on 140 high blood pressure patients at Kibagabaga Hospital from May 24, 2024, to July 28, 2024, with twice-weekly measurements.
Nine community health workers collected and uploaded patient data into a system for doctors to review, enabling quick identification of deteriorating conditions and prompt phone consultations.
Among the 140 patients, seven had critically high blood pressure levels (Stage Three) requiring immediate attention. The data showed that five of these patients were not adhering to their medication, while the remaining two had underlying health issues.
Dr. Olive Mukeshimana emphasized the benefits of the ‘Heart Care@Home’ technology, noting it reduces the need for monthly hospital visits.
Community health worker Adélaïde Ugirase concurs that this system has greatly helped hypertensive patients to keep their health in check.
Juliette Gasana, a lecturer and researcher at the University of Rwanda, highlighted that the idea of this technology stemmed from recognizing the high prevalence of severe hypertension in Rwanda and the challenges in providing timely treatment.
Gasana explained that the research addressed the challenges hypertensive patients faced in accessing treatment, such as long distances and 30-day wait periods for follow-up visits.
The aim is to enable more frequent blood pressure measurements and keep doctors informed without the lengthy wait.
Conducted in collaboration with the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) and funded by the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR-UOS), this research sought to improve hypertension management in Rwanda
Jean de Dieu Bugingo from ERITCUS Solutions Ltd, who developed this technology and explained its functionality.
Those who contributed to the research were recognized.
Every community health worker involved in monitoring the research participants was recognized.
Dr. Olive Mukeshimana, who monitored the patients at Kibagabaga Hospital using this technology, mentioned that its approval could be beneficial for individuals with high blood pressure.
Professor Dr. Marc Twagirumukiza, a medical lecturer at Ghent University in Belgium, shed light on the collaboration between Rwanda and the university in the development of this technology.
This research was presented at UR’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences (UR-CMHS) in Kigali on July 30, 2024.
The drive, held on Saturday, July 27, brought together more than 150 riders using electric motorbikes, underscoring the company’s commitment to innovation and reducing carbon emissions across the continent.
The drive commenced at Spiro’s warehouse in Masoro, located in the Special Economic Zone, where the company has so far deployed 1,000 bikes on the road.
The route weaved through the scenic streets of Kigali, showcasing Spiro’s cutting-edge electric bikes and raising awareness about the benefits of electric mobility and its role in combating climate change.
The flag-off was conducted by two of Spiro’s youngest staff members, Atete Benigne and Akimanimpaye Odile, symbolizing the future generation’s involvement in sustainable initiatives.
The flag-off was conducted by two of Spiro’s youngest staff members, Atete Benigne and Akimanimpaye Odile.
Kaushik Burman, CEO of Spiro, described the drive as a testament to the growing community of sustainable transportation advocates.
'We are proud to bring together 150 riders who share our vision for a cleaner, greener future,' the CEO stated.
Arun Bhandari, Head of Spiro Rwanda, said, “This drive is not only a celebration of our achievements but also a strong statement of our commitment to sustainable mobility in Africa. We are excited to see the positive impact our electric bikes are making in Rwanda and beyond.”
Spiro affirms that its bikes, equipped with mid-drive motors, are built to deliver better performance on Rwanda’s hilly terrain, which poses unique challenges for transportation.
'By placing the motor in the middle of the bike, the weight is evenly distributed, enhancing stability and making it easier to climb steep inclines. This design allows riders to tackle hilly terrains with greater ease and efficiency,' Spiro explains.
Spiro is keen to expand its operations into new regions, bringing the benefits of electric mobility to more communities across Rwanda.
Recently the company launched operations in Muhanga, located in the southern province. The operations of the office, the smart station, and the deployment of bikes were inaugurated by the CEO and the Spiro Rwanda team.
The launch was attended by cooperative members, including the president of the moto-taxi riders in Muhanga. The company has deployed 25 bikes in this area, with plans to increase the number of bikes on the road soon due to promising leads.
The company plans to expand into Huye, Bishenyi, Kayonza, Rwamagana, Bugesera, Nyamata, and Mayange before the end of the year.
So far, Spiro has distributed more than 18,000 electric motorbikes and 40,000 swappable batteries, which are in operation across Benin, Togo, Rwanda, and Kenya.
The four-day summit, which begins on August 1st at the Marriott Hotel, features notable African leaders, experts, and impact makers who will converge to discuss, analyze, and initiate new pathways for Africa’s business and leadership future.
Participants include leaders and experts from various fields who have been carefully selected and will be honored in recognition of their efforts towards Africa’s development.
The theme of the summit is 'Fostering Collaboration and Networking Among Business, Governance, and Security Stakeholder Leaders Across the African Continent.'
Activities lined up for the summit include plenary sessions and panel discussions, award presentation, and fashion runway.
During the opening ceremony, the organisers led by the chief convener, Amb. Kingsley Amafibe, stated that the summit aims to foster collaboration and networking among business, governance, and security stakeholder leaders across the African continent.
Over 50 recipients will be recognized for their efforts towards Africa’s development, including H.E. Dr. Dauda Lawal, the current Governor of Zamfara State, Nigeria and Dr. G D Singh, the founder and chairman of the Asian African Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Others are Melody Fidel Okwuazu a notable Nigerian entrepreneur and philanthropist famous for his contributions to youth mentorship and business coaching and and Adeniyi Victor, a biotechnology and pharmaceutical expert based in Nigeria.
The management of Mega Global Market says the e-commerce platform will facilitate the buying and selling of various nutritional supplements and fitness equipment, promoting self-improvement and wellness.
Gym and fitness equipment are among items that will be listed on the online platform.
Technology has permeated numerous aspects of human activity, with e-commerce demonstrating rapid growth.
While announcing the planned launch, Dr. Francis Habumugisha, the CEO of Mega Global Market, revealed the products on the new platform will be shipped from various factories in China, America, and India.
The equipment will shipped from China, America, and India.
He said, 'We have four factories in China that produce health and beauty products, beauty and health machines that help you look good and prevent premature ageing. We also have factories in India that produce products that change many people’s lives, including children, women, and men.'
He explained that this market has its own system of conducting business, but anyone who wants to become a partner can request to have an account registered in their name.
He added, 'E-commerce and bringing such modern items online, so you can buy them from anywhere, is the best and most modern method. We want you to have your own channel, but we provide you with modern health products that are enjoyable and that children will love.'
'Our goal is to help you by providing fitness equipment needed by elderly men and women to stretch their muscles, those with back problems, and equipment that will help people prevent different health issues by activating the body and massaging all parts of the body, starting from the feet to wake up all dormant nerves.'
Habumugisha revealed that customized fitness equipment or nutritional supplements can be provided upon request.
He explained that to start this business, certain products, including fitness machines, must be purchased first. These purchases will also grant the buyer a membership card and are associated with the opportunity to represent the market in a chosen region, country, or continent.
He mentioned that there are 'contracts we sign with you through a notary, including the documents of our factories, and the system details where we agree on how the products will be shipped from our location to yours, how you will pay, and which region you will operate in. We provide products that you can start selling, and you can pay gradually and improve your business.'
It is estimated that individuals working with Mega Global Market can achieve a profit margin of over 30%. In addition to the online market, there is a physical store where customers can purchase items in person.
The management plans to open the first branch in Rwanda, staffed by experts including administrative officials and business development leaders. Subsequent branches will follow in Canada, the United States, and Europe. The African headquarters will be based in Rwanda.
Mega Global Market offers seven original nutritional supplements certified by various international institutions to ascertain their safety. Additionally, the market provides a range of wellness products, including massage chairs, spinal alignment devices plus muscle and joint care equipment.
The country recorded an impressive 98.20% voter turnout among the nine million people who registered to vote in the election.
The voter turnout was, however, not surprising given the previous trend. It represented a 0.05% increase from the voter turnout of 98.15% recorded in the 2017 presidential election.
Compared with the parliamentary elections of 2018, where 93% of registered voters participated, it was an increase of 5%.
Rwanda’s voter turnout is encouraging compared to neighbouring countries in the East African region and beyond.
Kenya, which held its general election in 2022, recorded a 64.77% voter turnout in the presidential election, Uganda’s turnout in 2021 was 59.35%, while Tanzania’s turnout in the 2020 election was 50.72%.
Low voter turnout has also been observed in developed countries like the United States, where only 66.6% of the 161.42 million registered voters participated in the 2020 election. Moreover, 40% of eligible voters, mostly young people, did not vote in the 2016 election.
Voter indifference across the world remains debatable, but there is a general consensus that mistrust in electoral systems, political violence, intimidation, and lack of civic education contribute to the issue.
Charles Munyaneza, the Executive Secretary of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), highlighted in a recent exclusive interview with IGIHE that various civic education programs by the commission, coupled with lobbying from the political class and other interested parties, often contribute to the high voter turnout in Rwanda.
Munyaneza intimated that after the conclusion of the 2017 and 2018 presidential and parliamentary elections, the commission engaged in a continuous voter registration exercise that resulted in the registration of 1.8 million new voters for this year’s election.
A majority of these voters were registered during an intense national voter registration drive conducted between March and June of this year.
A majority of the new voters were young people. Munyaneza noted that various social media campaigns rolled out by NEC helped the commission appeal to the youth and encouraged them to exercise their democratic right.
The campaign involved the use of catchy short messages, graphics and videos detailing the registration process, the process of voting, and why it is important to vote.
“We have been crafting and sending out messages through various social media platforms, and they have proven to be very effective,” Munyaneza explained.
The commission also implemented technology that simplified self-confirmation of voter registration and the process of changing polling stations.
To make voting easier and more convenient, NEC established over 16,000 polling stations across the country, an increase of about 500 from those set up in 2017. This ensured that polling stations were easily accessible to eligible voters, whether in towns, markets or villages.
'We ensured that each polling station had no more than 900 people assigned to it to avoid long queues,' he added.
The government has also played a role in engaging citizens with the electoral process. Local government officials use weekly public forums, such as 'Inteko y’abaturage,’ to discuss issues affecting the community. These forums provide platforms for both mobilization and civic education on the electoral process.
Mnyaneza also observed that lobbying by the political class during the campaigns contributed to the voter turnout.
President Paul Kagame, who was re-elected in the recent election, had urged the youth to become actively involved in politics ahead of the polls.
He advised young people who shy away from politics to reconsider their stance, as all decisions made by countries, whether good or bad, are the result of political processes.
'There is no where you are going to run away from politics, this is a fact. You, especially the young people should join us and we combine efforts to strengthen the good politics,' he said.
Kagame, who ran for the presidency on RPF Inkotanyi party ticket, is credited with transforming Rwanda through significant economic and social reforms.
Under his leadership, Rwanda has experienced growth and development in areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, which were severely hurt by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Kagame has also been lauded for his firm anti-corruption stance in his administration, which has promoted accountability among government officials. This approach has also fostered public confidence in both public institutions and the electoral system.
He won this year’s presidential election with 99.18% of the votes cast, securing 8,822,794 votes. Dr. Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda came in second with 44,479 votes (0.50%), while Philippe Mpayimana finished third with 28,466 votes (0.32%).
In the parliamentary election, Kagame’s RPF Inkotanyi and its coalition partners remained dominant in the House of Deputies after securing 68.83% of the votes. The parties, including PD, PPC, PSR, PSP, and UDPR, will share 37 seats in parliament with the RPF.
Other parties that will be represented in the House are PL (5 seats), PSD (5), DGPR-Green Party (2), PDI (2) and PS Imberakuri (2).
Rwandans went to the polls on July 15, 2024, to elect their president and members of parliament in a general election lauded by observers as 'peaceful and calm'.
Major General John Baptist Ngiruwonsanga, Commandant of the RDF General Headquarters represented General Mubarakh Muganga, the Chief of Defence Staff at the celebrations.
The PLA, established and led by the Communist Party of China (CPC), has grown over the past 97 years into a formidable armed force committed to the liberation and well-being of the Chinese people, the independence and rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and international peace and cooperation.
The army’s contributions to global peace and stability kicked off when China first sent military observers to the United Nations (UN) in 1990. Over 50,000 Chinese peacekeepers have since taken part in peacekeeping missions in more than 20 countries.
Currently, 1,700 Chinese peacekeepers are on duty in six missions across Africa and the Middle East with 17 Chinese peacekeepers recorded as having lost their lives in overseas UN missions.
China is the second-largest contributor to peacekeeping efforts in terms of financial assistance and UN membership fees and the largest troop-contributing country. The Chinese naval hospital ship ‘Peace Ark’ is currently visiting several African countries to meet the medical needs of local people.
Before the end of August 2024, the PLA plans to conduct the ‘Peace Unity-2024’ joint exercise with the Tanzanian and Mozambican armed forces to enhance the ability of the participating parties to jointly respond to terrorism and maintain maritime security.
Military cooperation between Rwanda and China is a significant aspect of their bilateral relations. Both countries are dedicated to maintaining peace and are important contributors to international peacekeeping operations.
China’s Defence Attaché to Rwanda, Senior Captain (Navy) Li Dayi says that his institution and the RDF share common interests thereby learning from each other’s experiences in military construction and development.
Dayi expressed his commitment to strengthening this cooperation: 'I personally assure you that I will spare no effort to continue to promote the pragmatic cooperation between PLA and RDF to a new level in the future and help the China-Rwanda friendly and cooperative partnership achieve new results,' he said.
Major General Ngiruwonsanga echoed these sentiments, highlighting the shared values and historical struggles for liberation between the two countries. He noted that the PLA’s journey of fighting for justice and protecting individual rights serves as an inspiration.
'The legacy of the PLA is not merely a reflection of past achievements but a guiding light for the future. Our collective efforts, grounded in mutual respect and understanding, will continue to advance the shared goals of peace, security, and prosperity,' he stated.
In his keynote address, China’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Amb. Wang Xuekun, reaffirmed the PLA’s dedication to world peace and stability and reflected on the growing relationship between China and Rwanda since the establishment of diplomatic relations.
He highlighted the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit as an important opportunity to further strengthen these ties. 'It’s high time to push our relations to a new level,' he noted.
Senior Captain Li Dayi was recently appointed as the first ever defence attaché to Rwanda, a strong indicator of enhancement of bilateral relations and cementing the existing bond of friendship.
'China is always ready to work with Rwanda to bolster the relations between our two armies and two countries,' Amb. Wang said.
The longstanding relations between Rwanda and China span 75 years, marked by substantial cooperation. China remains one of the primary sources of Rwanda’s imports, underscoring the depth of their economic ties.
China and Rwanda militaries recommitted to deeping cooperation further.
Defence attachés to Rwanda who attended the event in a group photo with Senior Captain (Navy) Li.
It was glamor as China celebrated the 97th anniversary of People’s Liberation Army in Kigali.
The celebration took place at Kigali Marriott Hotel.
Major General John Baptist Ngiruwonsanga, Commandant of the RDF General Headquarters represented General Mubarakh Muganga, the Chief of Defence Staff at the celebrations.
China’s Defence Attaché to Rwanda, Senior Captain (Navy) Li Dayi says that his institution and the RDF share common interests thereby learning from each other’s experiences in military construction and development.
The Ambassador of Pakistan to Rwanda, Naeem Khan (left) was among members of the diplomatic corps who graced the event.
Amb. Wang said reaffirmed China’scommittment to working with Rwanda to bolster bilateralrelations.
In his keynote address, China’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Amb. Wang Xuekun, reaffirmed the PLA’s dedication to world peace and stability.
The research initiative, supported by the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB) in collaboration with the Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOS) Network, involved 18 students. Six of these students were distinguished for their exemplary work and received prizes.
Evariste Nsabimana, Deputy Director General of RWB, highlighted the significance of the students’ research in enhancing water resource conservation efforts across Rwanda.
“At the Rwanda Water Resources Board, our daily mission is to conserve the natural water resources of our country. Utilizing the information, we gather from various rivers is crucial to our conservation work.” He said.
Dr. Sam Kanyamibwa, CEO of ARCOS Network, emphasized the competition’s goal of advancing students’ knowledge in environmental conservation.
“These competitions are designed for young students, aiming to support their knowledge, particularly in conserving our water resources, because water is essential,' he remarked.
One of the recipients of the awards, Marie Claudine Umutoniwase from the University of Rwanda, received one million Rwandan Francs for her project on River Pfunda, which feeds into River Sebeya in Rubavu District.
Her project developed a technology to predict future floods.
“When I saw the announcement, I thought of creating a device to help predict future floods. By feeding upcoming rainfall data into the program I developed, we can anticipate and prevent floods,' she explained.
Emmanuel Singirankabo, also a student at the University of Rwanda, secured second place and was rewarded with Rwf800,000.
He shared his project’s focus: “My project addressed the issues of erosion and landslides on River Mbirurume due to deforestation. It aims to repair these damages.”
The research initiative organized by the Rwanda Water Resources Board attracted over 76 participants, with 18 completing the research and six getting awarded for their exceptional contributions.
Marie Claudine Umutoniwase was awarded for her outstanding research achievements.
RWB and ARCOS Network awarded outstanding researchers in Rwanda for their contributions to water conservation.
Singirankabo Emmanuel presents his innovative water conservation project and its potential impact.
Exceptional researchers awarded for their top performance.
University students from diverse institutions were awarded for their research excellence and encouraged to pursue further advancements.
Man has pondered for ages trying to understand what happens after death, unfortunately we may never know because no dead ever comes back to give an account of what really happens.
The Holy scriptures paint an imagination of the afterlife but with existing accounts of people claiming near-death experiences, this topic remains a subject of contention.
Most religious beliefs adduce to the fact that there is a certain form of afterlife to which people transit after death. These are some of them. Almost all religious perceptions suggest that life after death is grounded in scriptures or traditions.
Christians believe that after death they will be taken into the presence of God, where they will be judged for their deeds while still alive. Depending on the outcome, one would qualify for heaven or hell.
The concept of Hell is also deeply rooted in the idea of free will. Hell is traditionally depicted as a place of eternal fire symbolizing pain and suffering. Hell is viewed as a punishment for not 'doing' God’s will while still alive.
While religion teaches that earthly experiences are a foretaste of greater blessings to come after this life, some people dispute these accounts saying those are fabricated stories to attract relevance.
Although some claim to witness apparitions or experience ambiguous sparking thoughts about life beyond death, no one has ever rose from the dead to give a firsthand experience.
The Roman Catholic Church teaches the doctrine of Purgatory, an intermediate state between heaven and hell.
According to this belief, upon death, people who have sinned undergo purification as a way to enter heaven. The catechism of the Roman Catholic Church states that “all who die in God’s grace but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation.
It suggests that the dead undergo a cleansing and purification process in purgatory, so as to achieve the 'holiness' necessary to enter the joy of Heaven.
Fr. Fidele Mutabazi, Managing Director of Kinyamateka, a famous local tabloid, shares the view that earthly life is a preparation for a greater, eternal life.
“According to the Catechism of the Church, human life on earth is not merely for earthly pleasures; if it were, it would be a significant loss,” he says.
Mutabazi elaborates on the significance of Jesus Christ in Christian faith. “Jesus did not only teach about death but also demonstrated His power over it by raising the dead, such as Lazarus. His resurrection from the dead affirms that death is not the end,” he explains.
Christians believe that through baptism, they partake in the life and resurrection of Jesus, giving them hope of eternal life. However, some other different Christian denominations disagree with the idea of purgatory, arguing that once judgment occurs, individuals will stay in either Heaven or Hell for eternity.
Pastor Isaie Ndayizere, a senior pastor and leader of the Association of Pentecostal churches of Rwanda (ADPR), sticks to the hope of resurrection and eternal life for believers.
'According to our teachings, emphasis is put on the existence of eternal life for those who believe in Jesus Christ,” he reveals.
The resurrection of the dead is a cornerstone of his faith, hoping that Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead.
“We do not believe in reincarnation. Resurrection does not require one to come back through other forms of existence,' he says.
Theories about life after death, including resurrection, reincarnation, and perpetual oblivion, have been a subject of debate for centuries.
Sheikh Khalifa Nsengiyuma, an Islamic scholar based in Kigali explains that his faith agrees to life after death, based on the Quran teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.
“We believe a life after death but different from our current existence,” he reveals. Islam perceives life as a test determining one’s final destination, with good deeds leading to paradise and bad deeds to punishment.
Nsengiyuma believes in the concept of Barzakh, where one is rewarded according to their deeds. “Once someone enters this state, it marks the beginning of their individual Day of Judgment. If a person was a believer and did good deeds, they start receiving rewards immediately. On the other hand, a wicked person begins facing punishments for their sins,' he explains.
Sheikh Nsengiyuma pinpoints signs preceding the final judgement, as described by the Prophet Muhammad, such as a mother giving birth to a master, the emergence of a great beast from the earth speaking human language and the sun rising from the west.
“These are the indicators that the final day is approaching, although the exact timing is unknown,' he says.
Despite various debates, no one has definitively brought out the true picture of the afterlife, leaving many to focus on living meaningful lives on earth.
Jean-Paul Sartre, a renowned French philosopher and lifetime atheist is reported to have confessed to the possibility of God’s existence before his death in 1980.
Beliefs about life after death vary widely across religions and cultures. While some hold firm convictions based on scriptures, traditions and teachings, others remain skeptical due to the inconclusive nature of this subject.
Ultimately, the mystery of what happens after death continues to intrigue and inspire diverse opinions, leaving little room to fully understand the matter.
But as the old Rwandan adage goes, 'Gira neza wigendere ineza uzayisanga imbere.' Do good and move on without expecting immediate rewards because those acts of kindness will eventually lead to positive outcomes in the future.
Heaven, resurrection, reincarnation, and perpetual oblivion have been subjects of debate about life after death for centuries.
Throughout Twagirayezu’s trial, following extradition from Denmark late in 2018, eyewitnesses vouched that he was a participant in acts of Genocide as a member of the notorious Coalition for the Defence of the Republic (CDR) political party at the height of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The 56-year-old Twagirayezu, formerly a teacher in a vocational school in Rubavu District is said to have participated in several killings in Gisenyi town between April 7 and April 9, 1994.
These massacres, in which the suspect is said to have been a ringleader, took place mainly between the areas of Busasamana and Gacamena. There, the Tutsi were slaughtered in thousands.
Prosecution appealed his acquittal relying on the significant evidence that was overlooked in the initial trial.
On January 11, 2024, Presiding Judge Timothee Kanyegeri, of the Nyanza-based High Court Chamber for International Crimes (HCCIC), ruled that there wasn’t sufficient evidence to prove Twagirayezu’s role in the crimes he is accused of.
During the hearing of the case, witnesses for Prosecution included one Etienne Gasenge, himself a participant in the genocide at the same time and place (as he testified) with Twagirayezu.
Gasenge said that on the seventh of April, they started the killings in Mudende and that on the following day, they proceeded to Busasamana.
The witness said that Twagirayezu was with them as they dumped bodies in a pit, and that he (Twagirayezu) had an R4 gun.
Another witness who is a survivor, Jean Ruzibiza, said that he saw the suspect, on April 8, at a school in Mudende where many had fled the massacres.
Ruzibiza said Twagirayezu was among the Interahamwe militias that attacked the school that day, and that he had a gun, and a spiked club of the kind the militias used as one of the crudest, most sadistic killing instruments.
Another witness, code-named DTA, said that on April 10, he saw Twagirayezu seemingly asking for the identity documents (which in those days was for the purpose of establishing an individual’s ethnicity) of two women, and one young man who were trying to cross into the Congo, then Zaire.
DTA testified that when the three people couldn’t produce their documents, the defendant killed them on the spot. The witness continued that Interahamwe dumped the bodies of the victims in a pit under an avocado tree, in a place called Munyazogeye.
Two of the judges, including presiding judge Kanyegeri, and Fidele Nsanzimana, did not find this, and similar evidence of enough preponderance to convict Wenceslas Twagirayezu.
Subsequently, they chose to acquit him on grounds that the Prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the suspect actually was in Gisenyi at the time of the crimes he is accused of.
The presiding judge said court reached its decision based on, among other things, documents the suspect produced, claiming they showed he was in DRC on the 7th, 8th, and 9th of April, 1994. Additionally, the judges said, they 'identified inconsistencies in several testimonies from different witnesses.'
When Twagiramungu was seeking asylum in Denmark years ago, he told immigration officers in the European country that between January, and July 1994 he was in Gisenyi. 'He (the defendant) only started making claims that he was in DRC when prosecutors were questioning him in 2018.
Available statistics show that there are 101 known species of snakes in Rwanda, seven of which are extremely venomous and considered life-threatening. Six of the venomous species can be viewed at the Kandt House Museum.
Named after Richard Kandt, a German physician, explorer, and writer believed to be the first European to have thoroughly documented the geography and wildlife of Rwanda, Kandt House Museum is located at his former residence in the heart of Kigali.
A snake and crocodile exhibition at the facility is regularly held to help educate the general public about human-wildlife interaction.
A snake exhibition at Kandt House Museum.
A large section of the museum is dedicated to showcasing Rwandan life in all aspects â” social, economic, and political way even before the colonial times.
Richard Kandt is famous for using his explorations to serve as the first resident of Rwanda under German colonial rule and his administration laid the groundwork for the German colonial presence in the region.
Here are the venomous snakes housed at the Kandt House Museum:
1. Puff Adder
Puff adders are highly venomous snakes found in savannahs, grasslands, and rural farmland in Rwanda and most parts of Africa.
Puff adders are found in savannahs, grasslands, and rural farmland in Rwanda.
Hendrik Hinkel, a snake curator at the Richard Kandt House Museum, says that puff adders are responsible for most snakebite fatalities in Africa due to various factors, such as wide distribution, frequent occurrence in highly populated regions and their aggressive disposition.
“One thing that makes puff adders common is their tolerance to humans, unlike other snakes that live primarily in rainforests,” Hinkel explained during a visit by iGIHE.
A puff adder snake in a cage at the Kandt House Museum.
He revealed that puff adders possess cytotoxic venom, which damages cells and tissues at the bite site, causing pain, swelling, blistering, and tissue destruction. In severe cases, this can lead to necrosis (tissue death) and potential loss of limbs, such as fingers or toes.
These snakes vary in colour ranging from sight yellow to dark brown, synonymous with their habitats. They have characteristic 'V' shaped markings that run from top downwards the snake’s rib cage. Their heads are triangular in shape, a common characteristic for most venomous snakes.
Puff adders possess cytotoxic venom.
When endangered, the snake powerfully exhales, creating a loud hissing sound.
Puff adders are ambush predators that feed on a variety of prey including birds, mammals, lizards, frogs or any remains of animal flesh.
2. Forest twig snake
The Forest twig snakes possess hemotoxic venom, which affects the blood and tissues. The venom can either coagulate the blood or liquefy it, causing severe bleeding.
Forest twig snakes have a slim, brown coloured body with dark marks in the shape of a twig. The head is also often slim with a pointed snout and glittering eyes. The top of the head is usually green and the bottom orange for males and cyan/white for females.
When threatened they puff up their throat and are usually seen hanging in branches vertically with their heads facing downwards.
Their prey of choice are lizards and chameleons but they also eat frogs, fellow snakes and wild birds.
3. Black mamba
The black mamba is a species of highly venomous snake belonging to the family Elapidae. The snake is known for its aggressive nature when endangered. It often rears up and strikes multiple times.
A black mamba possesses a highly potent neurotoxic venom.
A black mamba possesses a highly potent neurotoxic venom that attacks the human central nervous system. The venom delivery is rapid due to long fangs and powerful muscles.
Ironically, the black mamba is not black in colour. Normally, it’s typically grey or dark brown, with a lighter underside. Its name originates from the black interior of its mouth.
A black mamba can grow up to 4.3 meters (14 feet)
This is one of the longest venomous snakes in the world and can grow up to 4.3 meters (14 feet). Its preferred habitat is thick savannas, woodlands, and rocky hills.
The black mamba primarily feeds on small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
4. Rhinoceros viper
The Rhinoceros viper derives its name from the distinctive horn-like scales on its snout. The snake’s venom is basically hemotoxic, although it also exhibits some cytotoxic properties.
The Rhinoceros viper derives its name from the distinctive horn-like scales on its snout.
These types of snakes are heavily coloured and patterned, with shades of green, yellow, blue, red, and black in various shapes and lines. Most notably, they have a pair of small horn-like structures protruding at the top of their snout.
The Rhinoceros Viper are heavily coloured and patterned.
Their heads are triangular in shape, a common characteristic of most vipers. When in danger, the snake powerfully exhales, creating a loud hissing sound.
Rhinoceros vipers are extremely rare and are only found in a few places in the rainforests of western Rwanda, such as Nyungwe Forest. They are usually camouflaged in the leaf litter. Rhinoceros vipers are typically ambush predators that feed on a wide variety of prey, including birds, mammals, lizards, fellow snakes, and frogs.
5. Forest cobra
The forest cobra, also known as the black cobra or black and white-lipped cobra, is a large and highly venomous snake found in Rwanda. It has a very strong neurotoxic venom similar to but not as strong as that of the black mamba.
The forest cobra has a very strong neurotoxic venom.
Whereas black mamba venom may kill you within four to five hours, the effects of forest cobra venom can last for 12 hours or more.
Bites from the forest cobra are rare because the snakes are 'very shy' and tend to hide or move away when they cross roads with humans. The snakes are common near water sources such as Lake Muhazi or Lake Kivu. They are very good swimmers and enjoy spending time inside the water.
These types of snakes feed on a wide range of prey including fish, frogs, birds and their eggs, rodents, lizards and other water bodies.
6. Gaboon viper
Gaboon vipers are heavily coloured and patterned, with a variety of brown, white and purple colours. They grow impressively large.
Gaboon vipers are heavily coloured and patterned.
Their heads are triangular in shape, powerfully exhale and create a loud hissing when in danger. They are considered extinct in Rwanda.
The last sightings of Gaboon vipers were near the foot of Muhabura in the 1930s. These snakes are highly vulnerable and typically die when their forest habitat is destroyed.
These snakes are believed to have the longest fangs in the world measuring about 3.5 centimetres long. They also have the biggest stock of venom compared to most snakes in the universe.
If bitten by a Gaboon viper, it’s usually not the venom itself that kills, but rather a condition called anaphylaxis where the body can no longer handle the amount of foreign toxic substances and simply shuts down.
Apart from the venomous snakes, there are five non-venomous snakes at the Kandt House Museum. The species include the Dasypeltis atra, also known as the egg eater, the Angola bush snake, the Python, the brown house snake and the spotted bush snake.
An egg eater snake is one of the most common and widespread snakes spread in Africa. It is a species of nonvenomous snake in the family Colubridae.
Hendrik Hinkel, a snake curator at the Richard Kandt House Museum, explains features and characteristics of an egg eater.
Watch the video below to learn more facts about the snakes found in Rwanda.
