Category: Uncategorized

With a sleek design and an irresistibly refined taste, the new SKOL Malt bottle wowed fans who turned up in droves to celebrate the brand’s exciting transformation.

Held at Kigali Universe, the event delivered a night of unforgettable vibes, boasting stellar performances from Rwanda’s top hip-hop artists. Hosted by the dynamic duo Anita Pendo and Kate Gustave, the concert united music lovers in a showcase of talent, energy, and community spirit.

Fans were treated to electrifying performances from heavyweights Riderman and Bulldog, whose iconic beats and lyrics ignited the crowd. The stage also sizzled with the raw energy of Fireman, Bushali, Zeotrap, Nessa, and other rising stars like Be Attilla, Boy Chopper, Slum Drip, and Papa Cyangwe.

The event attracted hundreds of excited revelers

Mariepaule Niwemfura, the Marketing Manager at SKOL Brewery Ltd., expressed his enthusiasm about the rebranding. “This new SKOL Malt bottle represents our dedication to innovation and quality. We are thrilled to offer our consumers a product that not only tastes exceptional but also embodies the vibrant spirit of Rwanda’s culture,” she said.

The friendly basket ball games between select teams and the surprise guest acts brought an extra dose of thrill, solidifying the event as a standout night in Kigali’s entertainment calendar.

As SKOL Malt’s new bottle took center stage, attendees couldn’t stop raving about its fresh, modern look and upgraded taste. Complementing the concert’s vibrant atmosphere, the new SKOL Malt became the perfect partner for fans to toast to the beats, the culture, and the brand’s unwavering commitment to Rwanda’s hip-hop scene.

Mariepaule Niwemfura, the Marketing Manager at SKOL Brewery Ltd., expressed his enthusiasm about the rebranding.

Rafael Mugenzi, a reveler who turned up with his family and friends to enjoy the evening, shared his excitement. 'I’ve attended many concerts, but this one was truly special. The performances were incredible, the vibe was unmatched, and SKOL’s new malt bottle is a game-changer. We all enjoyed to the maximum.'

With a massive crowd, iconic performances, and the unveiling of a game-changing SKOL Malt bottle, the 'Keep It 100% Concert' delivered a night that will be etched in Kigali’s memory.

The rebranded bottle has a sleek design and an irresistibly refined taste.

There were cultural and recreational performances that entertained the crowd.

There were friendly basket ball games between select teams.

Thibault Relecom, the propriator of Skol Brewery Ltd speaking at the event

With a sleek design and an irresistibly refined taste, the new SKOL Malt bottle wowed fans who turned up

Performances from Rwandan Hip-Hop tars thrilled the crowds

Sam K Nkurunziza

Data from Eurostat reveals that approximately 3.2 million elderly Germans aged 65 and over are at risk of poverty, according to the German news agency dpa.

The number has remained relatively stable in recent years, with 3.245 million seniors affected in 2023 compared to 3.157 million in 2022. This, however, stands in contrast to 2013, when only 2.4 million elderly individuals in Germany were at risk of poverty.

Poverty risk is defined as having an income below 60 percent of the median after social benefits.

Germany’s elderly population has grown significantly over the years, rising from 12 million in 1991 to 18.7 million in 2022. This demographic shift means seniors now make up a larger share of the population, according to the Federal Statistical Office.

The issue of elderly poverty has intensified debates over pension reform in the country, with German political parties sharply divided on potential solutions. According to dpa, major changes are unlikely to occur before the formation of a new government.

Germany’s elderly population has grown significantly over the years, rising from 12 million in 1991 to 18.7 million in 2022.

Xinhua

If current trends continue, AMR could lead to as many as 10 million deaths annually by 2050. Statistics show that economically, AMR could cost the global economy $3.4 trillion each year while pushing millions into poverty.

For low- and middle-income countries with healthcare systems already under strain, the need for coordinated, strategic responses is urgent.

From a layman’s understanding, AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms evolve to resist the drugs designed to kill them. Over time, these 'superbugs' render standard treatments ineffective, harder and sometimes impossible.

Dr. Eric Mugabo, a Rwandan Public Health activist and The Executive Director of Oazis Health, explains that AMR doesn’t discriminate; it’s a global issue that affects everyone. Human daily actions ranging from handwashing to responsible antibiotic use, play a critical role in fighting AMR.

Rwanda is addressing AMR through antimicrobial stewardship, a strategy designed to promote the responsible use of antimicrobials in order to preserve their effectiveness. This means ensuring antibiotics and other antimicrobials are used correctly and only when necessary.

Healthcare professionals attending Antimicrobial Stewardship training

Consuming these antimicrobials without professional guidance increases chances of developing AMR since misuse and overuse are primary drivers. It means that healthcare providers are key players in ensuring that medications like antibiotics are administered with care to avoid fueling resistance.

Through its Antibiotic Stewardship Program, Oazis Health and partners have developed initiatives to equip Rwandan healthcare professionals to become effective antimicrobial stewards.

This training emphasizes on understanding AMR from a scientific perspective, best practices for antibiotic prescribing, and patient engagement on responsible medication use.

Oazis Health offers an online, CPD-accredited course available to clinicians and para-clinicians across Rwanda. Through this course, healthcare providers gain insights into AMR drivers and effects, learning how to incorporate antimicrobial stewardship principles into their daily clinical practice.

'Stewardship isn’t just about prescribing less; it’s about understanding when and why to use antimicrobials to balance their benefits while minimizing risks 'Through education, we’re empowering healthcare providers to be guardians of these vital medicines,' says Dr Mugabo.

Rwanda’s healthcare workers increasingly recognize that every prescription matters in the fight against AMR and are learning to engage patients on responsible antibiotic use.

OAZIS Health conducting a workshop for University of Rwanda, Huye Campus students.

Public awareness is another critical strategy in containing AMR as recommended by the WHO. In collaboration with the University of Manchester, Oazis Health recently organized the '30 Days of Antibiotic Stewardship' campaign, designed to engage the public and raise awareness about AMR.

The campaign used an online course called Antibiotics and You, encouraging participants to learn about AMR and motivate others to take the course. Instead of relying on social media 'likes,' the campaign measured engagement by the number of course certificates participants earned and shared online.

One standout participant was Felix Nahimana, a medical student at the University of Rwanda, who mobilized over 100 individuals to complete the course. He reflected on and shared his experience.

'Through this course, I understood the seriousness of AMR. As a future doctor, I’m committed to raising awareness and using social media to combat the spread of superbugs.'

The campaign’s hashtag-driven format allowed participants to spread key messages on hygiene, the dangers of self-prescribing antibiotics, and the global threat of resistance.

Despite these promising efforts, Rwanda faces challenges in its fight against AMR. Public awareness of AMR remains low, diagnostic resources are limited, and antibiotics are often purchased without prescription, which increases misuse.

Rwandan Medical Doctors have pledged to preserve antimicrobials.

Dr. Mugabo highlights the importance of addressing these gaps: 'We’re making strides, but there’s a real gap in public understanding and policy enforcement. Rwandans need to understand that self-prescribing antibiotics or using them when unnecessarily contributes to AMR, impacting everyone in the long term.'

Experts agree that a multifaceted approach is essential to combat AMR effectively. For Rwanda, this includes increasing investments in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in healthcare settings, raising public awareness, enforcing strict regulations around antibiotic prescriptions, and providing healthcare workers with proper diagnostic tools and training.

Dr Mugabo underscores the importance of collaboration: 'Only by embracing the One Health approach and partnering with academic institutions, government bodies, and community organizations can we sustain change and successfully mitigate AMR’s impact.'

Oazis Health has ambitious plans to expand its impact. The organization aims to establish a regional Antimicrobial Stewardship Hub, dedicated to education, clinical training, and public awareness.

This hub would serve as a center for AMR knowledge and advocacy, connecting healthcare professionals with resources on AMR best practices.

Additionally, an online platform for AMR-related content is operational, with plans to collaborate with other media outlets to keep AMR a visible issue within the community.

These efforts are designed to build a foundation of knowledge, awareness, and responsible action against AMR in Rwanda and the wider region.

The battle against AMR requires sustained collaboration across all levels of society. While Rwanda advances its healthcare system, the commitment of healthcare professionals, activists, and community members provides a promising foundation.

Rwanda’s growing focus on antimicrobial stewardship and public engagement may pave the way for a healthcare system equipped to confront the silent but deadly threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Sam K Nkurunziza

Speaking at the 17th annual Unity Club Forum, the Head of State reflected on the country’s history, including the Genocide against the Tutsi, and stressed the need for Rwandans to preserve their identity at all costs.

'Our history defines our identity as Rwandans. Whether you embrace it or not, your essence remains. Being Rwandan is an indelible part of you. You might choose to renounce it, adopt another nationality, become a neighbor, or even a distant foreigner—perhaps a European or an American—and obtain their passport.

'You have the right to feel that way. However, upon reflection, one should remind others that if you are Rwandan, you are Rwandan. Additional identities are possible, but do not erase your native roots,' President Kagame stated.

The Unity Club was founded on February 28, 1996, by First Lady Madam Jeannette Kagame. Initially, the club brought together the spouses of Cabinet members to promote cohesion among them, foster unity and peace, and contribute to the socio-economic development of Rwanda in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. On March 8, 2007, marking its 10th anniversary, the club expanded its membership to include associate members, consisting of the spouses of active members.

President Kagame noted that the club had proven effective in addressing the problems faced by Rwandan society after the genocide.

'Unity Club was established during a period of significant challenges, as people sought solutions to the issues presented by our history. It emerged as one of the many strategies implemented to address these problems. The idea was to bring together individuals, particularly ministers and their spouses, to foster unity,” he remarked.

He emphasized the need to continue the transformation momentum that groups like Unity Club have brought about.

'When people face challenges like ours or have experienced a history similar to what we have gone through, there must be transformation. We must change in our hearts and in the way we do things. That is what is essential and fundamental, so that the history that once defined us disappears, fades away, and vanishes,' he added.

'We must take actions that clearly show everyone that Rwanda is no longer what it was 30 years ago; look at what they [Rwandans] say, look at what they do, and see how they are transforming the lives of their fellow Rwandans. This is critical and cannot be overlooked. Even today, if you search the internet, you will still find people speaking ill of Rwanda and its leaders, distorting everything to make it appear negative.'

He encouraged Rwandans to always strive for unity, leave a positive identity, and transform any negative beliefs that others may hold about Rwanda.

'When people unite, like what Unity Club represents, unity reflects a broader goal for the entire country. The country should be like Unity Club. When falsehoods are spread or bad things are said or done to Rwanda, if people are united, driven by the same purpose and the determination to ask, 'Why? Why do people portray us like this? Why do we allow such things to define us?’ Then all those insults and lies become meaningless.'

'There are places in the world where people know Rwanda well. They understand it, having followed the history of the past 30 years, seen where we came from, and observed how we continue to make progress. But there are still places where Rwanda is known as the Rwanda of more than 30 years ago, a country of killers. We still bear that stain.

“As Rwandans, we committed the unforgivable, and that bad name, that stain, will stay with us for a long time because what is written in history and books cannot be erased. But we can redeem the tragedy of our past by transforming the country and the lives of its people. That is the struggle we are fighting today.'

Speaking at the 17th annual Unity Club Forum, the Head of State reflected on the country’s history, including the Genocide against the Tutsi, and stressed the need for Rwandans to preserve their identity at all costs.

President Paul Kagame and First Lady Madam Jeannette Kagame arrive at the 17th Annual Unity Club Forum.

17th Annual Unity Club Forum was held on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

The Unity Club was founded on February 28, 1996, by First Lady Madam Jeannette Kagame and comprises spouses of cabinet ministers.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

British publication The Sun reported on Sunday, November 17, 2024, that allies of the 47th President of the United States had confirmed plans to adopt the scheme originally drawn up by the former British Tory government but cancelled by Sir Keir Starmer when he took over as Prime Minister in July.

According to sources, the incoming administration’s plans include sending illegal migrants to Rwanda and a number of other countries.

'Trump campaigned on a promise to crack down on illegal immigration—and he is determined to stick to it,' a source close to Trump’s camp was quoted as saying.

'His team is looking at the Rwanda scheme. He is considering deporting illegal migrants to Rwanda and other countries so they cannot stay on American soil.'

The UK-Rwanda migration scheme, officially known as the “UK-Rwanda Asylum Partnership Agreement,” was announced by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson in April 2022. Under the scheme, the UK government proposed sending individuals who had arrived in the UK illegally, particularly those who crossed the English Channel in small boats, to Rwanda for processing their asylum claims.

The UK government had agreed to pay Rwanda £370 million over five years to relocate illegal immigrants there. Part of the money was used to build the Hope Hostel, where the migrants were supposed to stay. The building remains unoccupied and could potentially be used by another country.

During his campaign, Trump promised to address illegal immigration in the U.S. by deporting immigrants who are in the country illegally and restricting legal immigration. The Republican accused the Democratic administration led by Joe Biden of being too lenient on border control, leading to an influx of illegal immigration through the U.S.-Mexico border.

Notably, between January 2021 and September 2024, U.S. authorities recorded an astonishing 10 million “encounters” with migrants believed to be attempting to cross into the country illegally.

Besides the U.S., another country under pressure to adopt a similar scheme to the UK and Rwanda is Germany.

Seasoned German Parliamentarian Alexander Throm had in July urged the government to utilize the preparatory efforts undertaken by the UK to enhance their own plans.

The spokesperson for Germany’s center-right CDU/CSU faction said since Rwanda was ready to work with European countries on migration cooperation, the termination of the UK deal means more “capacity” for Germany.

'We should stick to the plan and make use of the preparations our British partners made for it,' the Member of the German Parliament for Heilbronn told a local publication. He was referring to the statement by the Government of Rwanda that it was ready to find solutions to the global migration crisis, despite the abandonment of the UK-Rwanda scheme by Starmer’s administration.

During his campaign, Donald Trump promised to address illegal immigration in the U.S. by deporting immigrants who are in the country illegally and restricting legal immigration.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Representatives of the growing group of 14 countries presented the course ahead in the effort to secure a negotiating mandate for a treaty.

According to Hon. Prof. Biman Prasad, the Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji. the idea of the Fossil Fuel Treaty is gaining momentum amongst governments, businesses, civil society and his country is carrying it forward to significant advances in 2025.

'The Treaty, as we see it, is a tool to address climate injustice and drive the shift needed to achieve a much needed transition to clean energy, while equitably managing the phase out of harmful fossil fuels globally,' he said.

He asserted that this proposal for a legally binding mechanism presents an opportunity to hold wealthier nations accountable for their role in the crisis while providing vulnerable nations like with the financial and technical support needed for the transition.

The time has come to respond with greater urgency, greater focus, greater solidarity. The Fossil Fuel Treaty is a key part of that response.”

Susana Muhamad, the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia acknowledged that the effort to develop a Fossil Fuel Treaty that will help achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and complement the UNFCCC process is moving to the next stage in 2025.

'As we agreed during the meeting of the ministers who are part of this initiative, we will pursue resolutions at the United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Environmental Assembly to push forward the Fossil Fuel Treaty proposal,' she said.

'We have discussed how the treaty will address the potential implications of phasing out fossil fuels and the economic requirements of moving forward. We hope that in the next stage we will be getting the commitments of other countries keen on participating in this process,' she added.

In the same spirit, Dr. Maria Neira, Director of the Department of Public Health and Environment at the World Health Organization (WHO) said that the climate crisis is a health crisis as well affecting global health in a very serious and dramatic way.
'The combustion of fossil fuels overlaps 75% with the causes of air pollution. We will host the 2nd Conference on Air Pollution & Health, in Cartagena, Colombia in March 2025. It will be a forum where we will strengthen conversations around the Treaty, and where we will be looking at the transition and how we can help subsidize energy innovation,” she noted.

At COP29, a cross-section of Ministers and senior government officials from the endorsing nations from the Pacific, Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as observers from other countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Europe who are interested in advancing the proposal, gathered to discuss key priorities for the Fossil Fuel Treaty proposal in 2025.

The ministers agreed to explore pathways to secure a negotiating mandate for a treaty through a forum such as the UN General Assembly (UNGA) or a standalone negotiating process, and to explore a resolution on fossil fuels in the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA).

In addition to the efforts toward a complementary treaty, the Ministers also agreed they will work together in Baku to get a strong outcome at COP29 on the New Collective Quantified Goal on climate finance and the Just Transition Working Program.

The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative is spurring international cooperation to end new development of fossil fuels, phase out existing production within the agreed climate limit of 1.5°C and develop plans to support workers, communities and countries dependent on fossil fuels to create secure and healthy livelihoods.

COP29 ends on Friday November 22, 2024.

Sam K Nkurunziza

For Eastern and Southern Africa, COP29 offers a crucial moment to prioritize regional strategies for managing our unique ecosystems, which include forests, marine, and wildlife habitats that support millions and sustain diverse biodiversity.

Among the most critical actions we can take is to embrace data-driven ecosystem management and address the governance challenges that often stand in the way of effective conservation. In recent years, data has come to be seen as 'the new oil' in conservation—a resource with immense potential to improve ecosystem management.

Data-driven decision-making involves using data to make informed decisions, rather than relying on intuition or experience. With accurate, timely data, policymakers and conservationists can track biodiversity trends, detect environmental changes, and target conservation efforts where they are needed most.

The Regional Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity, Forests, and Seascape Ecosystems Management in Eastern and Southern Africa (RCoE-ESA) is leading this data revolution with the development of a Data Geoportal—a centralized platform that aggregates environmental data from 24 countries in Eastern and Southern African.

This Data Geoportal has the potential to transform conservation across the region by abridging the data gap to enhance collaborative efforts in conservation initiatives. It fosters collaborative data contribution and sharing by different stakeholders.

At the heart of Regional Centre of Mapping of Resources for Development’s (RCMRD) strategy is the Data Sharing Agreement, a collaborative framework being signed with the 24 countries we serve.

This agreement ensures that the environmental data we receive is authenticated and verified by governments, providing a solid foundation for transparency and trust among all stakeholders.

By standardizing data-sharing practices, the agreement supports informed decision-making, enabling better strategies for ecosystem protection and restoration. It also strengthens the functionality of the Data Geoportal.

RCMRD plays a pivotal role in helping countries update information on protected and conserved areas, which are key to biodiversity conservation.

This effort was amplified with RCMRD’s contribution to the recently published Protected Plant Report 2024. The report, produced by UNEP-WCMC and IUCN is the first global assessment of protected and conserved areas since the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was agreed. It highlights countries’ progress on commitments to protect 30% of Earth by 2030.

Yet, as COP29 discussions aim to strengthen global commitments to biodiversity protection, we must also confront a significant barrier: the governance issues around data sharing. Each country in Eastern and Southern Africa has unique policies on data privacy, ownership, and access, leading to significant discrepancies that impede cross-border conservation efforts.

While some countries restrict access to data due to security concerns or prioritize national control over ecological information, others face institutional gaps that limit their ability to contribute to regional data-sharing initiatives.

This fragmented approach makes it difficult to create a unified conservation strategy, particularly for ecosystems that transcend borders, such as migratory corridors and forest reserves.

Moreover, issues of data sovereignty are increasingly prominent, with countries viewing environmental data as a national asset. While protecting national interests is valid, restricting data access or failing to engage in collaborative data platforms like the RCoE-ESA Geoportal weakens conservation outcomes across the region.

This lack of coordination not only impacts biodiversity but also threatens regional stability, as ecological disruptions can trigger resource conflicts, displacement, and economic losses.

To leverage data effectively in conservation, Eastern and Southern African countries must commit to harmonizing policies on data governance. Regional leaders should prioritize the development of shared standards for data privacy, ownership, and cross-border access.

A unified framework will allow countries to contribute to data-driven initiatives without compromising national interests, ensuring that all stakeholders—governments, conservation organizations, and local communities—benefit from a collaborative approach.

Countries can share data in a way that respects national privacy concerns and boundaries while maintaining the integrity of national boundaries and safeguarding sensitive information.

The time is ripe for Eastern and Southern Africa to champion data-driven ecosystem management and to establish a unified governance framework that supports transparent data sharing.

By aligning on these critical issues, the region can lead the way in demonstrating how data can drive effective, sustainable conservation.

Data must be the foundation of conservation efforts, backed by robust governance, regional cooperation, and the full support of our communities.

The author is a Nairobi based Communications Specialist at the RCoE-ESA, a project funded by the European Union and Implemented by CIFOR-ICRAF and The Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD).

Abigael Sum

Rwanda reported its first case of Marburg virus on September 27, 2024, primarily affecting healthcare workers attending to patients. A total of 66 cases were recorded, with 51 recoveries and 15 fatalities.

On November 15, the Ministry highlighted that 14 days had passed since the last new case was detected in the country, and it had been eight days since the final patient was discharged from the hospital.

Hospitals dedicated to treating Marburg cases have since been closed, and the Ministry confirmed that individuals who had been in contact with patients had completed their monitoring period.

Despite this milestone, authorities stressed that preventive measures remain active, with recovered patients still under medical observation to ensure public safety.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana recently announced that the Marburg outbreak in Rwanda is officially over.

However, he underlined the need for continued surveillance of bats identified as the virus’s source. He shared that the bats linked to the outbreak were located at a mining site near Kigali, and monitoring efforts have been extended to other caves nationwide.

Dr. Nsanzimana noted that advanced technologies are being employed to track these bats and prevent future outbreaks.

The World Health Organization (WHO) explained that an outbreak can only be declared officially over after a 42-day period without new cases, starting from the discharge of the last patient.

The Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) reported on November 16, 2024, that 33 days remain before Rwanda can confirm the virus is no longer present in the country.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, declared that the Marburg outbreak in Rwanda is over but noted that health authorities will continue monitoring bats that were identified as the source of the virus.

IGIHE

Uganda Police rescue Egyptian diplomat from kidnappers

A routine investigation turned chaotic as police rescued Mohamed Ali Abdel Hamid, a 40-year-old Egyptian diplomat abducted in Kampala. Hamid disappeared on November 8, 2024, near Garden City Mall, prompting alarm when he failed to return home. His captors demanded a $40,000 ransom, leading police to track them to their hideout at Peal Hotel.

A dramatic exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting in one suspect being fatally shot and a female accomplice captured. The suspect was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital, while Hamid was rescued unharmed.

Authorities are now focused on uncovering any additional individuals or motives behind the abduction. Police vow to trace every lead to ensure justice is served.

Kim Jong Un orders mass production of suicide drones

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has directed the mass production of “suicide drones,” emphasizing their strategic importance amid global advancements in unmanned aerial warfare, according to state media.

Kim supervised successful tests of drones capable of striking land and sea targets, developed by the Unmanned Aerial Technology Complex (UATC).

These explosive-laden drones, designed to crash into enemy targets, were first unveiled in August and have proven precise in recent tests. Citing their low production costs and versatile applications, Kim called for a swift transition to serial production.

The move aligns with North Korea’s growing focus on unmanned military systems and its collaboration with Russia, as drones play a significant role in conflicts like the Ukraine war. This development follows North Korea’s history of defying UN sanctions through frequent ballistic missile tests.

15 countries qualify for AFCON 2025

Nigeria’s Super Eagles were among four teams that booked their places at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a one group stage game to go.

The likes of Gabon, South Africa and Uganda also sealed their places in Morocco. Libya’s 1-0 win in Rwanda guaranteed Nigeria a top-two finish in Group D.

The Super Eagles however, played 1-1 with Benin Republic to confirm their place as Group D winners.
Meanwhile, Cote d’Ivoire, Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Angola, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Morocco, and Senegal have all booked their places. More countries are expected to book their tickets in the coming days.

Kenyan gang member jailed for 28 years, to testify against co-defendants

Evance Michori, a member of the Confirm Gang in Nakuru, has been sentenced to 28 years in prison after confessing to his role in the murders of four women in the Mawanga area of Bahati Sub-County.

Michori admitted to being an accessory after the fact of murder and agreed to testify against five co-defendants in exchange for a plea bargain.

The murders, which occurred on June 21, 2022, involved the gang robbing the victims before leaving them to perish in burning homes.

A detailed investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) uncovered forensic evidence corroborating Michori’s confession.

Following his agreement with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Michori’s plea deal was accepted on November 14, 2024. He will now serve as a key prosecution witness in the upcoming trial, aiming to bring justice to the victims and their families.

Escalating Atrocities in Sudan Demand Global Action- Envoy

H.E. Adama Dieng, the African Union Special Envoy on the Prevention of Genocide, has expressed grave concern over the worsening violence in Sudan, particularly in Al-Jazirah and Al Damazein.

Reports of heinous crimes including mass killings, sexual assault, abduction, and looting persist despite a telecommunication blackout. Hate speech and ethnically motivated violence have intensified dangerously.

The defection of RSF commander Abu Aqla Keikil to the Sudanese Armed Forces on October 20, 2024, has sparked retaliatory attacks by the RSF, targeting villages and displacing thousands.

Civilians face unimaginable suffering, including days-long treks without food and forced separations from loved ones. The crisis has escalated further with mass arming of civilians.

Dieng calls on Sudanese leaders to de-escalate, respect humanitarian law, and protect civilians. He urges the international community to provide aid, intensify diplomacy, and ensure accountability for atrocities. The African Union remains steadfast in its commitment to peace and human rights in Sudan.

Kwibuka flame of hope monument set up at Sacramento State

California State University, Sacramento has taken a significant step in its commitment to genocide awareness and the preservation of historical memory by unveiling a mock-up of the “Kwibuka Flame of Hope” monument.

This powerful symbol will stand as a testament to the university’s dedication to promoting peace, unity, and resilience in the face of atrocities. The monument, set to be officially inaugurated in April next year, will serve as a lasting reminder of the horrors of the Genocide against the Tutsi while honoring the resilience of survivors and victims’ memories.

It will also act as an educational tool, encouraging students, faculty, and the broader community to engage in critical conversations about preventing mass atrocities and fostering global human rights.

By establishing this monument, Sacramento State reinforces its role in advocating for justice, remembrance, and the ongoing fight against hatred and intolerance.

IGIHE