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The match began cautiously, with both teams focused on maintaining their defensive structures. South Sudan, known for their resilience, matched Rwanda’s intensity in the early exchanges.

Despite the slow start, Arsène Tuyisenge tested South Sudan’s goalkeeper Juma Jenaro with a direct shot in the 10th minute, earning Rwanda their first corner of the match.

Amavubi’s midfield trio—Jean Bosco Ruboneka, Gilbert Mugisha, and Jean Claude Niyomugabo—controlled the tempo, forcing several saves from Jenaro. Didier Mugisha came close to opening the scoring in the 20th minute, missing a rebound from the post with only the goalkeeper to beat.

As the first half progressed, Rwanda continued to dominate possession, but South Sudan’s defense held firm. In the 35th minute, Gilbert Mugisha’s free kick struck the woodwork, and Didier Mugisha was quick to capitalize on the rebound, tapping the ball past Jenaro to give Rwanda a 1-0 lead.

Rwanda had a golden opportunity to double their advantage in the dying moments of the first half. A South Sudanese defender handled the ball in the penalty area, and the referee awarded a penalty. However, captain Kevin Muhire’s effort was saved by Jenaro, leaving the score at 1-0 heading into halftime.

The second half began with Rwanda attacking with renewed vigor. Muhire redeemed himself in the 55th minute, weaving through South Sudan’s defense to slot home Amavubi’s second goal. The home crowd erupted in celebration as Rwanda seemed poised to secure a convincing win.

Rwanda’s CHAN 2024 qualification hangs imbalance despite South Sudan win.

Despite trailing 2-0, South Sudan refused to back down. Substitute David Sebit capitalized on a defensive lapse in the 81st minute, firing a powerful shot past Adolphe Hakizimana to make it 2-1. Amavubi pushed forward in search of a third goal, but missed chances from Ruboneka and others to keep the score line unchanged.

The Tunisian referee added three minutes of stoppage time, but neither side could alter the outcome. Rwanda’s victory marked a valiant effort but fell short of the desired aggregate result, leaving fans both hopeful and uncertain about their team’s CHAN 2024 prospects.

Aggregate deadlock and CECAFA rankings

The 2-1 win brought the aggregate score between Rwanda and South Sudan to 4-4, but South Sudan was eliminated on the away goals rule after conceding more goals at home in the first leg, which ended 3-2 in Juba.

In the CECAFA region rankings, Sudan emerged as the top team with six points after a dominant 4-1 aggregate victory over Ethiopia. Rwanda and South Sudan each finished with three points, while Burundi remained at zero points with their second match against Uganda still pending.

The CECAFA region is allotted four slots in the CHAN finals. Three of these are automatically taken by the host nations—Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania—leaving only one slot for the remaining countries to contest.

With Sudan securing the top spot, Amavubi’s fate now lies in the hands of CAF, which is yet to decide on replacements for Libya and Tunisia, who withdrew from the tournament.

Rwanda will have to await CAF’s decision to know whether they will play in next year’s CHAN competitions.

Hopes for CAF’s decision

Although Rwanda missed out on direct qualification, there is still a glimmer of hope. CAF must fill the void left by Libya and Tunisia’s withdrawal, and Rwanda could be considered as one of the replacement teams.
Caretaker coach Jimmy Mulisa, who stepped in for head coach Frank Spittler during his holiday absence, expressed mixed feelings after the match.

'The boys gave everything on the pitch today. We are proud of the win, but unfortunately, the aggregate result was not in our favor. Now we wait and hope for good news from CAF,' Mulisa said.

Amavubi’s victory over South Sudan showcased the team’s potential, with standout performances from players like Kevin Muhire and Didier Mugisha. However, the missed penalty and defensive lapses highlighted areas that need improvement if Rwanda is to compete at the highest level.

As the team awaits CAF’s decision, fans remain optimistic that Rwanda will join the CHAN 2024 tournament, set to be hosted in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Final Standings in CECAFA Region CHAN Qualifiers:

• Sudan: 6 points
• Rwanda: 3 points
• South Sudan: 3 points
• Burundi: 0 points (pending second match against Uganda)

With the CHAN 2024 finals fast approaching, Amavubi’s journey is far from over. Their spirited performance against South Sudan is a testament to their resilience, and should CAF grant them a spot, Rwanda will undoubtedly aim to make a strong impression on the regional stage.

Sam K Nkurunziza

These systems are seen as a sustainable solution to meet energy needs while protecting the environment.

The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) plan outlines that $52 million (over Frw 71.7 billion) will be used to procure solar water heaters for urban residential buildings.

This initiative aims to support Rwanda’s commitment to combating climate change.

The funding will facilitate loans and grants to help individuals acquire these systems, aligning with the country’s green building initiatives.

Additionally, $8 million (over Frw 11 billion) is needed to reduce reliance on biomass energy sources, such as firewood, and decrease imports of energy-related products.

Thadée Twagirimana, acting director general in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Adaptation, explained that procuring solar water heaters is a vital part of Rwanda’s strategy to address climate change. The initiative aims to cut the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by 38% by 2030.

The energy sector is expected to reduce at least 1,530,000 tons of carbon emissions, with solar water heaters contributing 3% of this reduction.

Twagirimana emphasized that the majority of Rwandans, 79%, still rely on firewood and charcoal for energy, which contributes to deforestation and health issues. Solar water heaters offer a cleaner and more sustainable alternative.

Recently, solar water heaters were distributed to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) engaged in agriculture processing, bakeries, and hospitality.

These systems are projected to cut 1,500 tons of carbon emissions annually and save businesses Frw 3.7 million per month on firewood, charcoal, and other fuels.

Ernestine Tuyishimire, owner of Buganza Good Wine, reported that her business previously used about five cubic meters of firewood daily, costing Frw 100,000.

With the solar water heater, the business now only uses one cubic meter of firewood, resulting in substantial cost savings.

Reports indicate that $1.37 billion will be needed to reduce firewood use among households relying on charcoal, decreasing the dependency rate from 83% to 42% by 2030.

The Ministry of Environment estimates that $60 million (over Frw 82.8 billion) is required to purchase solar water heaters as part of efforts to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

IGIHE

FDLR comprises mainly of remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Reports have emerged that Burundi’s military cooperates with both the FDLR and the FLN.

A senior officer in the Congolese army recently told the Great Lakes Eye that the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi are constructing a secret military base in Uvira, South Kivu province.

This facility, located in Kitoga, is allegedly intended to coordinate armed groups planning attacks on Rwanda.

The DRC is reportedly providing materials for the construction, while Burundi has been accused of holding meetings with armed groups, including the FDLR and CNRD-FLN, since August 2024. These meetings are said to focus on uniting forces to launch attacks on Rwanda.

The FDLR has a history of attacks on Rwanda’s northern regions, while the CNRD-FLN launched offensives in 2018 and 2019 from Nyungwe National Park.

Speaking to the press on Friday, President Ndayishimiye rejected the accusations as baseless.

“It is like insulting us just to gain international sympathy. When we went to assist Congo, you know that it was a collective agreement among all the heads of state in East Africa, without exception, including Rwanda,” he said.

“We agreed to assist the Democratic Republic of Congo in restoring peace and security […] we agreed to fight all foreign armed groups committing crimes in Congo, without exception, while urging those based in Congo to participate in the Nairobi talks,” added Ndayishimiye.

He stated that he had discussed with Rwanda and informed them of the need to assist since it was responsible for intelligence operations and could provide information on the whereabouts of the FDLR.

“Tell us where the FDLR members are and see if we won’t attack them. If we don’t attack them, then you’ll know we are working together,” Ndayishimiye stated.

Ndayishimiye echoed Tshisekedi’s accusations, alleging that Rwanda collaborates with the M23 group. He claimed that after seeing Burundi’s cooperation with the DRC, Rwanda began to show dissatisfaction.

Despite Ndayishimiye’s claims, reports indicate that Burundian troops have held meetings following one attended by the Governor of North Kivu, Maj Gen Peter Cirimwami, and Brig Gen Hakizimana Antoine, also known as Jeva, who leads CNRD-FLN. They discussed joint efforts initiated in March 2024.

It is reported that the secret military base being built by the DRC and Burundi, once completed, will host armed groups opposed to the Rwandan government, where they will plan attacks. Once prepared, they are expected to use the Kibira forest in Burundi as a route to infiltrate Rwanda.

Since 2023, the armed forces of the DRC, Burundi, the FDLR, and other groups under the Wazalendo coalition have been cooperating in operations against the M23.

The governments of both countries accuse Rwanda of supporting M23 and the RED Tabara group, which opposes President Évariste Ndayishimiye’s regime.

They have long been attempting to unite the FDLR and CNRD-FLN to jointly launch attacks on Rwanda.

Burundian President has denied collaboration with FDLR despite clear evidence

Alcade Ndemeye

The appointed ambassadors are Maj Gen Joseph Nzabamwita, Parfait Busabizwa, Olivier Kayumba, Festus Bizimana, and Dushimimana Lambert.

The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security in the Rwandan Senate, reviewed the qualifications and capabilities of these ambassadors to ensure they are equipped to effectively represent Rwanda in their respective countries.

Maj Gen Nzabamwita has been appointed Rwanda’s Ambassador to Russia. He holds a Master’s degree in International Law.

He held various roles where he served as Senior Security Advisor in the Office of the President, Secretary-General of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), and as a spokesperson for the Rwanda Defence Forces.

Parfait Busabizwa has been appointed Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Republic of the Congo.

He was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth last year and has also served in various leadership positions, including as Vice Mayor of Kigali City in charge of Economic Affairs.

Olivier Kayumba has been appointed Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Central African Republic.
He had been serving as an official at the Rwandan Embassy in that country.

Before his appointment, he served as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Emergency Management.

Festus Bizimana has been appointed Rwanda’s Ambassador to Senegal. He previously worked at the U.S. Embassy and also served as the Vice President of Rwanda Cycling Federation.

The other appointee, Dushimimana Lambert, is the former Governor of the Western Province.

He has been appointed Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. He previously served as a senator before becoming a governor. He holds a Master’s degree in International Law.

Murangwa Hadija, the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security in the Rwandan Senate, stated that the appointees have demonstrated the necessary qualifications and are capable of fulfilling their duties as ambassadors.

The Senate has approved five ambassadors appointed recently to represent Rwanda in various countries.

IGIHE

The resolution, adopted on Friday with 14 votes in favor and one abstention by the United States, replaces the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

The move supports Somalia’s ongoing efforts to transition national security responsibilities to its own forces.

Under the mandate, African Union member states are authorized to deploy up to 12,626 personnel, including 1,040 police officers, until June 30, 2025.

By that date, the realignment of all AU troops from ATMIS to AUSSOM must be completed.

The mission will provide support to the Somali government in combating Al-Shabaab and other groups affiliated with the Islamic State.

The authorization will last for 12 months, marking a critical phase in Somalia’s path toward enhanced security and stability.

The resolution, adopted on Friday replaces the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia.

IGIHE

In December 2023, the Brussels Court of Assizes convicted Twahirwa of genocide, war crimes, intentional murder, and the rape of women, all of which he committed in Gatenga and Gikondo while he was a leader of the Interahamwe militia in 1994.

His lawyer, Me Vincent Lurquin, told the BBC that Twahirwa had recently been moved from prison to receive medical care at Saint-Luc Hospital in Brussels. Lurquin said he had visited him before his death and found him in critical condition.

He explained that Twahirwa had been suffering from cancer in his leg, a condition he developed after an accident in the 1980s. He also had diabetes, and his health deteriorated significantly during his time in prison.

During his trial, several witnesses testified about the atrocities Twahirwa committed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, including killing Tutsis and encouraging other militia members to rape Tutsi women.

Twahirwa was a cousin of Agathe Kanziga, the wife of former President Habyarimana.

Twahirwa Séraphin, who was sentenced to life imprisonment by a court in Belgium last year. He passed away aged 66.

IGIHE

Known for her beauty and captivating performances, Hussey left an indelible mark on both cinema and television. According to reports, her passing is linked to cancer.

Hussey’s portrayal of Juliet earned her a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer at just 17 years old.

Despite the film’s critical acclaim, her role sparked controversy due to a brief topless love scene with co-star Leonard Whiting.

In recent years, she and Whiting sued Paramount over the scene, though the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed.

Beyond Romeo and Juliet, Hussey became a beloved figure in the horror genre.

She starred in the cult classic Black Christmas alongside Margot Kidder and John Saxon and appeared in other fan favorites such as It and Psycho IV.

Her voice acting roles, including Talia al Ghul in Superman: The Animated Series and characters in Star Wars video games, showcased her versatility.

In her personal life, Hussey married musician and actor David Glen Eisley in 1991. Together, they shared a family life marked by love and mutual support.

Hussey’s legacy endures through her timeless performances and contributions to film and television, inspiring new generations to discover her iconic work.

She is survived by three children.

Legendary Romeo and Juliet actress Olivia Hussey has died at the age of 73

Despite the film’s critical acclaim, her role sparked controversy due to a brief topless love scene with co-star Leonard Whiting.

IGIHE

Illinois and Hawaii led the surge, with Illinois experiencing a 116.2% increase, driven by an influx of migrants in Chicago.

Migrants and asylum seekers made up over 13,600 people in emergency shelters across the region. Hawaii saw an 87% rise, with the aftermath of the Maui wildfires displacing thousands.

Massachusetts and New York reported increases exceeding 50%, with New York City noting that asylum seekers accounted for nearly 88% of its rise in sheltered homelessness.

Meanwhile, California remained home to nearly a quarter of the nation’s homeless population, with 66.3% of its homeless living in unsheltered conditions.

Family homelessness rose 39% nationwide, disproportionately affecting children and people identifying as Black or African American.

Experts point to the ongoing affordable housing crisis, the end of eviction moratoriums, and a lack of investment in housing solutions as key contributors to this alarming trend.

HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman emphasized the importance of evidence-based efforts to address homelessness, highlighting the urgency of tackling a crisis that continues to deepen across the country.

Homelessness in the United States surged to unprecedented levels in 2024, with federal data showing a significant 18.1% increase compared to 2023.

IGIHE

The mass escape occurred as the country grappled with widespread protests and violence after the ruling Frelimo party was declared the winner of the disputed October 9 elections.

The chaos began around midday, when violent demonstrations in the vicinity of the high-security prison ignited a rebellion among the inmates.

According to Mozambique’s police chief, Bernardino Rafael, prisoners seized weapons from guards and started releasing other detainees, including 29 convicted terrorists. The breach occurred after the prison wall was collapsed during the protests, allowing prisoners to flee.

In the aftermath, at least 33 inmates were killed, and 15 others were injured in clashes with security forces.

Videos shared on social media showed the moment when inmates fled the prison, with some hiding in nearby homes. Military personnel and prison guards swiftly captured some of the fugitives, though a number remain on the run.

'A curious fact is that in that prison we had 29 convicted terrorists, who they released. We are worried, as a country, as Mozambicans, as members of the defense and security forces,' said Rafael.

The police chief called on those who had escaped to surrender voluntarily while urging the public to stay vigilant.

The prison break is part of a broader wave of unrest that has swept through Mozambique in the wake of the contested election results.

Protests have raged across the country, with demonstrators targeting police stations, vehicles, and public infrastructure in response to the victory of Frelimo’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, who secured 65% of the vote. Opposition supporters, primarily from Venancio Mondlane’s camp, have fueled the violence, rejecting the election results.

The violence has drawn international concern, with the United Nations calling for an immediate halt to the bloodshed and urging all parties to engage in peaceful dialogue. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for legal redress and a resolution to the political crisis.

The mass escape occurred as the country grappled with widespread protests and violence after the ruling Frelimo party was declared the winner of the disputed October 9 elections.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The match, a crucial step in the qualification for next year’s CHAN tournament in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, is scheduled for 6 PM at Amahoro Stadium.

Jimmy Mulisa’s side must overcome a 3-2 loss from the first leg in Juba to keep their qualification hopes alive. However, winning the match alone won’t guarantee Rwanda a spot in the tournament. Coach Mulisa emphasized the importance of performing well, regardless of the circumstances.

'The players must fight for the honour of the national team. We’ve consistently reminded them not to focus on other factors but to do everything possible to secure a win,' the coach said on Friday.

Before the session, Mulisa assured the new Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, who had visited the team, that the players were in good shape, with no issues apart from injuries that had already been addressed with substitutes.

Team captain Muhire Kevin expressed confidence, stating that they are determined to qualify for CHAN and are ready to beat South Sudan, having corrected their previous mistakes.

The Amavubi need to eliminate South Sudan to advance and await CAF’s decision on selecting two replacement teams for Tunisia and Libya, who have withdrawn from the tournament.

Currently, Sudan holds the sole CECAFA region slot in CHAN after winning both legs against Tunisia. However, there is optimism that the region will receive an additional slot following the withdrawal of Arab nations, similar to what happened in 2018.

Amavubi captain Muhire Kevin assured Rwandans of a victory on Saturday.

Jimmy Mulisa’s side must overcome a 3-2 loss from the first leg in Juba to keep their qualification hopes alive.

The Rwandan national football team, Amavubi, has completed its final preparations for the return leg against South Sudan on Saturday, December 28, 2024.

IGIHE