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The delegation comprises representatives of all 15 member states that make up the Peace and Security Council of the AU.

In a statement, AU said the council is undertaking the field mission as part of its mandate to promote peace, security and stability in Africa. The mission is also part of combined efforts to promote the implementation of the AU Master Roadmap of Practical Steps to put an end to warfare in Africa by the Year 2030.

Cabo Delgado Province in northern Mozambique has been grappling with a security crisis since late 2017. An insurgency, primarily driven by the extremist group Ansar al-Sunna, has led to widespread violence, displacement, and economic disruption in the region.

AU said the security delegation will camp in Maputo for three days to gather first-hand information regarding the security, social and humanitarian situation prevailing in Cabo Delgado.

The delegation has also been tasked with assessing the progress made in combating the insurgency and evaluating the impact of the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), considering its planned withdrawal.

'By undertaking the field mission, the PSC is also expressing AU solidarity with the people and government of Mozambique and reaffirming the AU commitment to continue supporting them in their relentless efforts to eradicate terrorism and violent extremism. This will help to restore durable peace, security stability and development in the country, which will tremendously benefit not only Cabo Delgado Province but also the Southern Africa region and the African Continent as a whole,' AU said.

The council also seeks to draw lessons from Mozambique’s experience and best practices, including in the implementation of disarmament demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programs and disaster preparedness and management.

'The first-hand information to be gathered during the PSC field mission will be critically necessary as it will help to adopt evidence-based and well-informed decisions in supporting efforts of the government of Mozambique to restore durable peace, security, stability and development in the Cabo Delgado Province,' AU added.

The insurgency in Cabo Delgado began in October 2017 with Ansar al-Sunna expressing discontent over lack of economic benefits from natural gas in the region, allegations of government corruption and marginalization of local communities.

However, over the years that followed the rebellion escalated with the militia employing violent tactics, including attacks on civilians and security forces and destruction of property.

The Mozambique government struggled to contain the militia forcing it to seek military support from Rwanda and Southern Africa Development and Defense Advisory Council (SADDC) forces.

Currently, Rwanda has more than 2,500 troops in Mozambique. The Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) has indicated that the security situation in the country continues to improve.

The delegation comprises representatives of all 15 member states that make up the Peace and Security Council of the AU.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Residents of Ngoma Village, Cyangungu Cell, Kamembe Sector, Rusizi District, are particularly grateful for the initiative.

They have expressed their appreciation to the local leadership, and assured that they will take excellent care of their new homes.

In July 2024, the newly built houses, constructed with fired bricks and cement, were finished and furnished with essential items before being handed over to the residents.

Alphonsine Muteteri is one of the beneficiaries who shared her joy: 'On my first night in the new home, I slept so comfortably that I didn’t even notice that it was already morning. I no longer experience the cold and discomfort I was used to,' she said.

She added that the dilapidated structure she was accustomed to and the unconducive living conditions contributed negatively to her performance in her daily chores as a local farmer.

Jeanne Matagata, who lives with her husband and 3 children, also expressed her gratitude.

'I used to live in a house so poor that it felt like a pit. Now, thanks to the government for setting up good places for us to live. Our lives have improved significantly,' she said.

Anne Marie Dukuzumuremyi, the Deputy Mayor of Rusizi District in charge of social affairs, urged the new homeowners to maintain their new homes carefully and ensure hygiene at all times.

Rusizi district has announced the completion of modern homes for 150 vulnerable individuals in the fiscal year 2023/2024.

IGIHE

IGIHE

The prevalence of these disorders is on the rise, with the World Health Organization (WHO) indicating a 40% increase over the past 30 years globally.

Neurological disorders, which rank second in causing the highest number of deaths globally, include epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, stroke, myopathies, paralysis, and many others.

WHO projects that by 2050, the prevalence of these disorders in Rwanda will have doubled.

Professional attention to these conditions in Rwanda began less than 20 years ago with the first specialized department established at Caraes Ndera in 2006 and another one at King Faisal Hospital (KFH) in April 2024.

At Caraes Ndera, approximately 70% of patients suffer from neurological disorders, resulting in long wait times for appointments up to five months.

To gain deeper insight into these disorders, their treatment, and Rwanda’s progress in training more specialists, IGIHE engaged Dr. Fidele Sebera, regarded as the pioneer of neurological treatment in Rwanda.

Dr. Sebera, a specialist in treating neurological disorders, introduced this field in Rwanda after undergoing specialized training in Senegal. He studied medicine at the former National University of Rwanda and specialized in neurology in Senegal. For over a decade, Dr. Sebera was the sole specialist in neurological treatment in Rwanda.

'At that time, I started discussions with the Brothers of Charity here in Ndera, who connected me with doctors from Ghent University in Belgium and the medical company Union Chimique Belge (UCB),' he recalls.

Collaborating with them, he arranged for Rwandan doctors to train in Senegal, where he had studied, to increase the number of specialists. Today, there are five such trained doctors.

Considering the growing concerns caused by these disorders, Dr. Sebera planned to sustainably increase the number of specialists.

In partnership with experts from Ghent and UCB, he developed a curriculum for neurology, now taught at the University of Rwanda.

'Currently, we have 11 students. The first cohort is in their second year, with six in their first year and five in their second year. We plan to admit another seven to ten students in the upcoming academic year (September 2024),' he noted.

There is hope that admitting students annually will provide a sufficient human resource to treat these disorders properly and ultimately neurology studies will deepen roots in Rwanda.

In support of his initiatives, the Government extended a scholarship to Dr. Sebera to study at Ghent University, where he earned a Ph.D. in 2023.

Previously, he had received various medical training, including in brain cancer and the general functioning of the brain, from France and Belgium.

'These services are now available in Rwanda. I initiated them after establishing the neurology department at Ndera,' he says.

Dr. Sebera chose this field because, upon completing general medicine, he noticed a lack of specialized doctors in neurology despite the prevalence of such conditions globally.

His passion was partly driven by observations during internships at various hospitals, where he saw many Rwandans with these disorders being inadequately treated.

'Among my peers, none were interested in specializing in this field because they feared it. That’s when I decided to encourage Rwandans to pursue this field,' he explains.

Neurological disorders are often overlooked and confused with mental illnesses like madness, but Dr. Sebera explains that there is a difference.

He says that neurological disorders have specific causes, such as brain tumors, which can be detected through medical examinations.

'For instance, epilepsy can be diagnosed using radio imaging to identify the cause, unlike other mental illnesses which has no proven cause.

18 years down the road, Dr Sebera admits that patients can now receive proper diagnosis and treatment, with quantifiable improvements in their conditions.

Though the journey is still far from over due to the limited number of doctors, there is a beacon of hope since these disorders are now recognized and people know where to seek treatment.

Factors contributing to these disorders include hormonal imbalance, brain tumors, strokes, and poor eating habits.
Epilepsy, in particular, can be treated successfully if properly diagnosis is made in time, contrary to common myths that it’s as a result of witchcraft or demonic possession.

Dr. Sebera cautions on the abuse of illicit drugs, which significantly impact neurological health, preventing accidents as much as possible, and maintaining overall body health.

These are some of the latest machines brought to Rwanda, enabling doctors to examine patients’ brain issues more effectively.

Dr. Sebera, a specialist in treating neurological disorders, introduced this field in Rwanda after undergoing specialized training in Senegal.

The neurological department was introduced at King Faisal Hospital (KFH) in April 2024.

At Caraes Ndera, approximately 70% of patients suffer from neurological disorders, resulting in long wait times for appointments up to five months.

IGIHE

This partnership aims to drive full-scale digital transformation across Corporate, SME, Agribusiness, and Retail segments.

With this collaboration, Bank of Kigali will become the first financial institution in the country to offer a fully digital, hyper-personalized experience to its customers.

Veefin will empower Bank of Kigali with its flagship suite of comprehensive SCF and Digital Lending solutions.
This includes a self-on boarding module available across all channels, automated digital underwriting of loans via the Loan Origination Solution (LOS), and efficient transaction management through the Loan Management Solution (LMS), complemented by an advanced Debt Recovery System.

Leadership Insights

Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO at Bank of Kigali explains that this is yet another milestone in the Bank’s digitization journey.
'The partnership with Veefin will help us boost efficiency and improve transparency in our loan processes. Our esteemed clients will be able to apply for any credit product using BK digital channels and will enjoy faster turnaround times,' she said.

Raja Debnath, Managing Director, Veefin Solutions said 'Bank of Kigali’s decision to partner Veefin’s advanced SCF and Digital Lending solutions underscores their commitment to innovation.

Africa and especially Rwanda is at the epicentre of technological adaptation and innovation, multiple banks in the region have shown significant interest in implementing Veefin’s solution, reflecting a broader trend towards adopting cutting-edge financial technologies to efficiency. Our partnership with Bank of Kigali will set new benchmarks in the continent for other lenders to follow'

About Bank of Kigali Plc

Bank of Kigali, established in 1966, is Rwanda’s leading financial institution dedicated to driving the nation’s economic growth.

Through its wide range of banking services catering to individuals, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), agribusinesses and corporate customers, the bank has played a pivotal role in fostering economic resilience, innovation and community development.

To meet the evolving customer needs, the bank embarked on a digital transformation journey and has set an ambition to become a leader in innovation and financial inclusion.

Bank of Kigali has been frequently recognized as the best bank in Rwanda by Global Finance Magazine, Euromoney and The Banker.

These accolades reflect our unwavering commitment to customer centricity and excellence in the banking sector.

With this collaboration, Bank of Kigali will become the first financial institution in the country to offer a fully digital, hyper-personalized experience to its customers.

Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali (left), highlighted the milestone of this partnership, aiming to boost efficiency and transparency in loan processes for their clients.

Bank of Kigali Plc have partnered with Veefin Solutions to pioneer digital lending innovation in Africa.

Raja Debnath, Managing Director, Veefin Solutions.

IGIHE

The delegations last convened in Angola in March 2024, where they reached several resolutions, including the cessation of hostilities between the DRC’s armed forces and the M23 rebel group, which has been central to these conflicts, in order to restore security in the North Kivu province.

A statement signed by the foreign ministers of both countries at the time, called for mutual trust and the sharing of intelligence information to prevent any security threats to Rwanda and the DRC.

The DRC delegation agreed to present a plan to dismantle the FDLR rebel group in a subsequent meeting that was scheduled for April 2024.

It was agreed that if the DRC follows through on its commitment to dismantle the FDLR, the Rwandan government would also take measures to ensure Rwanda’s security.

However, shortly after these talks, Christophe Lutundula, the DRC’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, told reporters in Kinshasa that he and his government officials were unaware of the FDLR’s exact location, casting doubt on their willingness to fulfill their commitment.

The FDLR, which Lutundula claimed could not be located, is reportedly collaborating with the DRC’s armed forces in the fight against the M23, as corroborated by a UN Group of Experts report containing evidence and testimonies from Congolese soldiers.

The planned talks for April 2024 did not take place. However, both parties continued to communicate with the mediator, Angola, regarding the implementation of resolutions made since the first Luanda summit in 2022.

Although not part of the Luanda talks, in early July 2024, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, and State Secretary for East African Community Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe met with DRC’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gracia Yamba Kazadi, in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

Amb. Nduhungirehe explained that during their meeting, held on the sidelines of an East African Community retreat, both parties agreed that resuming the Luanda talks promptly was essential to finding a lasting solution to the conflicts between both countries.

In March 2024, it was anticipated that the April talks would prepare for a meeting between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, facilitated by Angola. Both presidents had agreed to meet face-to-face.

Angola has beene a mediator since tensions between both countries erupted in 2022.

Delegations from Rwanda and DRC last convened in Angola in March 2024.

IGIHE