Category: Uncategorized

The first accident occurred in Kavura Village, Nyarusange Cell, Muhazi Sector, Rwamagana District, when a truck moving from Tanzania struck a pedestrian crossing the road.

Speaking to IGIHE, SP Twizeyimana Hamduni, spokesperson for the Rwanda National Police in the Eastern Province attributed it to overspeeding.

“The truck hit a man estimated to be around 30 years old, who died instantly. His identity remains unknown, and his body was immediately transported to Rwamagana Hospital,” SP Twizeyimana reported.

The second incident happened in Nyagatare District, in Kibuga I Village, Gakirage Cell, Nyagatare Sector, involving a fatal collision between a motorcyclist and a bicycle.

SP Twizeyimana explained that the accident occurred around 7 p.m., when a 30-year-old motorcyclist collided with a bicycle ridden by a 20-year-old.

'The motorcyclist died on the spot, while the cyclist sustained serious injuries. The accident is believed to have been caused by the failure to maintain a safe distance, as both were moving in the same direction,' he noted.

SP Twizeyimana urged all road users to adhere to traffic regulations, avoid speeding, maintain safe distances, and refrain from distractions like using mobile phones while driving.

He also emphasized the importance of avoiding any behavior, including drunk driving, that could lead to accidents.

The bodies have been taken to Rwamagana and Nyagatare hospitals for postmortem.

IGIHE

Harris entered the presidential race after President Joe Biden withdrew in July, following a disastrous debate with Trump that inflamed concerns about his age.

The former senator from California and Democratic candidate was the latest entrant in a race that now includes five candidates, though it’s widely seen as a two-horse contest between her and the outspoken Republican candidate.

The other three presidential hopefuls from third parties remain relatively unknown outside the U.S. But who are they, and what do they stand for?

Chase Oliver

The 39-year-old politician is running for the U.S. presidency on the Libertarian Party ticket.

As the youngest candidate in the race, Oliver describes himself as a champion of individual rights against the growing power of the state.

Oliver previously ran for a U.S. Senate seat from Georgia in 2022, where he garnered 2% of the vote.

As the youngest candidate in the race, Oliver describes himself as a champion of individual rights against the growing power of the state. His political activism began with opposition to the Iraq War during George W. Bush’s presidency, and he joined the Libertarian Party after attending Atlanta’s Pride Festival in 2010.

His running mate is Mike Ter Maat, a former police officer in Broward County who served from 2010 to 2021 as a registered Libertarian.

The Libertarian Party typically secures around 3% or less of the national vote, though its members could still play a pivotal role in swing states.

The party, founded in 1971, advocates for minimal government intervention in both economic and personal affairs. As one of the largest third parties in the country, it emphasizes individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and personal responsibility.

Jill Stein

The 74-year-old physician is running on the Green Party ticket, making her second stab at the presidency after her first attempt in 2016.

Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein speaks during a rally in Dearborn, Michigan, US, October 6, 2024.

Stein launched her current campaign accusing Democrats of repeatedly betraying their promises 'for working people, youth, and the climate,' while stating that 'Republicans don’t even make such promises in the first place.'

The Green Party is a progressive political party focused on environmental sustainability, social justice, grassroots democracy, and nonviolence.

Established in 1984, the party emerged from the global Green movement, which began in Europe in the 1970s. It positions itself as an alternative to the Democratic and Republican parties, particularly on issues of environmental protection and economic inequality.

While the Green Party rarely wins significant representation in national elections, it plays a crucial role in advocating for progressive issues, influencing policy discussions, and occasionally affecting election outcomes, especially in close races.

Cornel West

The 71-year-old American philosopher, scholar of African American studies, and political activist is running as an independent candidate. He has taught at prestigious institutions, including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Union Theological Seminary.

The 71-year-old philosopher pledges to end poverty and guarantee housing.

Initially, West ran as a Green Party candidate but announced in October that he would run as an independent, stating that people 'want good policies over partisan politics.' His campaign aims to attract progressive, Democratic-leaning voters.

At the top of his campaign pledges is ending poverty and guaranteeing housing.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Anti-government protests have rocked Mozambique’s capital since the October 9 presidential election, in which the ruling Frelimo party secured victory. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane has called for street demonstrations to contest Daniel Chapo’s 70.7% election win.

Amid the ongoing protests, claims surfaced on social media suggesting that Rwandan troops deployed to fight terrorists in Cabo Delgado had joined local security forces to quell the protests, allegations that the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) swiftly dismissed as false.

In a recent statement, the EU affirmed the RDF’s position, insisting that “No evidence has been put forward to support the claims that Rwandese troops are present in Maputo.”

The EU, which supports the Rwandan troop mission in Cabo Delgado through facilitation and equipment, also dismissed reports that it was funding Rwandan security forces to violently repress the protests.

“As a friend and partner of the people of Mozambique, the European Union supports the country in restoring peace, security, and stability across Cabo Delgado through an integrated approach combining efforts in the areas of peace and security, development, and humanitarian aid.

“The European Union absolutely refutes the grave and groundless allegations that the EU is financing the Rwandese army in Mozambique to violently repress protests in Maputo,” the EU stated.

The EU warned against misinformation saying, “The European Union cautions against the spread of misinformation and calls on all parties to observe calm, restraint, and a sense of responsibility.”

Through the European Peace Facility (EPF), the European Union equips the Rwandan Defence Forces with protective individual equipment and covers the costs of transporting military staff to fight the insurgency in Cabo Delgado.

“EPF support takes place in full compliance with international law, in particular international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and its implementation is subject to rigorous safeguards, controls, and monitoring mechanisms,” the EU added.

Rwandan forces are helping Mozambique’s army fight militants who launched an armed uprising in 2017.

Rwanda deployed its security forces to Mozambique in 2021 after the insurgency escalated, with the militia employing violent tactics, including attacks on civilians and security forces and destruction of property.

Since 2021, Mozambique has also received military support from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), but SADC forces began withdrawing in April 2024 as their mandate ended.

A man holds a Mozambican flag during a protest against the results of the 2024 presidential elections in Maputo on November 2, 2024.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 7th CIIE and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum.

Running from Nov. 5 to 10, the 7th CIIE has attracted 3,496 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions. It also sets a new record with 297 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders attending the event.

More than 400 new products, new technologies and new services are set to be unveiled during the expo, which experts believe is a strong indication of global companies’ confidence in the Chinese market and their commitment to further development in China despite a sluggish global economic recovery.

The opening ceremony of the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum is held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) in east China’s Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Gang)

Xinhua

“China has an important and attractive market, and the CIIE is incredibly big and diverse. It’s a wonderful opportunity for African businesses to tap into the Chinese market and understand what’s happening in the global market,” said Philip Myburgh, group head of trade at Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking, in an interview with Xinhua ahead of the 7th CIIE due from Tuesday to Sunday in Shanghai.

Given that Africa sometimes takes a backseat or gets overshadowed by larger economies at global events, Myburgh said they expect more exposure to and attention from the international community.

“We are certainly getting a stronger presence at the CIIE, with the Africa pavilion bringing all made-in-Africa products together,” he said, adding that it’s encouraging to see more emphasis on Africa.

Standard Bank, which has participated in the CIIE since its inception, has hosted many promotional events to strengthen the connection between Africa and China, said the expert.

“We are seeing more diversity and stronger demand for African products showcased in the CIIE, and we are expecting more transactions, more interest, and more deals being signed this year,” he added.

During the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in September in Beijing, China committed to further opening its market to African agricultural products, with two protocols signed for the export of greasy wool and dairy products from South Africa to China.

In Myburgh’s opinion, the FOCAC marks a highlight of the China-Africa relationship as many infrastructure and funding projects were announced, and more partnership agreements signed. Meanwhile, the CIIE is a practical showcase of the theoretical and political commitments made at the FOCAC.

Myburgh said China’s efforts to promote high-level opening-up are welcomed by African countries and will boost Africa’s economic recovery and growth.

China plays an important role in helping African countries diversify their economies and boost growth, and has become a key off-taker for African products and a provider of critical technologies for the industrialization and sustainable development of the continent, he said.

Noting that Africa could benefit from more foreign exchange, Myburgh said exports to China could be a critical contributor to Africa’s economic growth.

It’s also crucial for African countries to learn from China when it comes to renewable energy and technologies to save water and conserve energy, said Myburgh, adding that the CIIE has offered a platform for Africans to learn from and collaborate with more important stakeholders.

People pose for photos at the booth of South Africa at the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China’s Shanghai, Nov. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

Xinhua

This photo taken on Nov. 4, 2023 shows Lujiazui in east China’s Shanghai. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)

This photo taken on Nov. 2, 2024 shows the overbridge at the west entrance of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), in east China’s Shanghai. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

This photo taken on Nov. 2, 2024 shows the overbridge at the west entrance of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), in east China’s Shanghai. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

A panoramic drone photo taken on Nov. 2, 2024 shows the west entrance of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), in east China’s Shanghai. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)

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Xinhua

The 'Religious Leaders Forum and Graduation Ceremony,' a joint initiative by two prominent religious organizations, was set to take place in Paju, South Korea.

The event was expected to draw over 30,000 participants from 57 countries, including 1,000 religious leaders representing Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism.

However, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, a public entity under Gyeonggi Province, abruptly canceled the venue rental without prior notice.

This last-minute decision has resulted in significant financial damage to the international event. Organizers of this event stated that the cancellation constitutes an unconstitutional act of discrimination against a specific religion, violating religious freedom, human rights, and due process of law.

The hosting organizations, the Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus, said that they had received official confirmation on October 23rd and 28th that there was no plan of cancellation.

They also said that the unilateral cancellation was an unreasonable administrative action targeting a specific religious group. They further emphasize that other events scheduled for the same day were not affected, suggesting that the cancellation was 'administrative decision caused by opposition from a specific religious group,' which 'violates the principle of separation of church and state guaranteed by the Constitution.'

The Gyeonggi Tourism Organization cited security concerns related to recent North Korean actions and the planned activities of a North Korean defector group as reasons for the cancellation.

However, it was pointed out that other events, such as civilian bike rides and foreign tourist visits to the DMZ, were permitted within the same designated area.

The incident has reignited international debate about religious freedom and tolerance in South Korea. The U.S. State Department’s International Religious Freedom Report has previously highlighted concerns such as the prosecution of Shincheonji Church of Jesus and the government’s refusal to approve mosque construction.

The Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus have called upon the South Korean government to respect religious freedom, uphold human rights, and rectify this decision.

They urge international organizations to monitor this situation and take appropriate action to protect religious freedom.

Organizers have staged a protest in front of the Gyeonggi Tourism

Panoramic view of Peace Nuri in Paju, South Korea

IGIHE

Addressing the media on Monday, November 4, 2024, Dr. Nsanzimana explained that the virus may persist in specific body parts such as the inner parts of the eyes, breast milk, and semen, even when it is no longer detectable in blood tests.

'Recovery means the virus is no longer in your blood, confirmed through two tests taken 72 hours apart. Therefore, we advise recovered individuals to avoid unprotected sex until final tests confirm complete elimination of the virus,' he stated.

The minister noted that some discharged patients had disregarded protection guidelines, leading to new infections through unprotected sexual contact.

'We are closely monitoring them to prevent its spread, while also aiming to avoid stigmatization. They should not be treated as if they still carry the virus and need to be avoided.'

He explained that monitoring of the recovered patients may last from one to three months, and in some cases, up to a year, as each patient has unique health conditions.

'The virus may persist in certain areas longer, remaining longest in semen but briefly in saliva and urine. We are currently testing all recovered patients’ urine, breast milk, and semen to ensure the virus is entirely eliminated,' he revealed.

Dr. Nsanzimana affirmed that these individuals will remain under observation until final tests confirm no trace of the virus. Currently, some recovered patients are tested weekly and updated on their health status.

Rwanda announced its first-ever Marburg virus outbreak on September 27, 2024.

So far, 66 people have been infected with the Marburg virus, with 15 deaths, 49 recoveries, and two individuals still under medical care.

The Ministry of Health indicates that, while Marburg’s mortality rate in other affected regions can reach up to 90%, in Rwanda, it currently stands at 22.7%.

Swift measures implemented by the government have been credited with the high number of recoveries and the low number of deaths reported in the country. Notably, there have been no new deaths recorded in about a month.

Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana explained that Marburg virus may persist in specific body parts such as the inner parts of the eyes, breast milk, and semen, even when it is no longer detectable in blood tests.

IGIHE

During the meeting, the Rwandan minister congratulated the newly appointed envoy and commended the continued growth of bilateral relations between Ghana and Rwanda.

Amporful is expected to present his letters of credence to President Paul Kagame before formally assuming office.

The presentation of letters of credence is a formal diplomatic act that marks the official beginning of an envoy’s role as a representative of their country.

These letters, usually signed by the head of state, serve as certification of the envoy’s authority and legitimacy.

This gesture is essential in diplomacy, as it establishes the high commissioner’s standing and ability to conduct official duties and engage with the host country on behalf of their government.

Amporful will be the first Ghanaian High Commissioner with a residence in Kigali, as the previous commissioner to Rwanda was based in Nairobi, Kenya. The envoy’s appointment was approved by the Cabinet in May.

Ghana now joins dozens of foreign missions with residences in Kigali, reflecting the growing presence of nations establishing diplomatic ties and representation in Rwanda.

Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe received copies of the letters of credence of Ernest Yaw Amporful, High Commissioner-Designate of the Republic of Ghana to Rwanda, with residence in Kigali, on Monday, November 4, 2024.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Political pundits remain confident that the outcome of the 2024 presidential election will be determined by swing states. These battleground states are significant in U.S. elections as they often decide the outcome in the Electoral College due to their unpredictable voting patterns.

The Electoral College is a unique system used in U.S. presidential elections, where voters technically vote for electors, who then vote to elect the president and vice president. This system is so powerful that a candidate can win the popular vote—meaning they receive more total votes from across the country—but still lose the election due to the Electoral College.

In the U.S., each state has a set number of electors, which is equal to the sum of its U.S. Senators (always two) and its U.S. Representatives (which varies based on the state’s population). In total, there are 538 electors, and a candidate must receive a majority—at least 270 electoral votes—to win the presidency.

In recent days, Trump, who is running on the Republican Party ticket, and his Democratic counterpart, Harris, have continued their blitz across key swing states such as Georgia, Michigan, and North Carolina as they press for any possible advantage in the closing days of the campaign.

Other swing states expected to determine this year’s election outcome include Pennsylvania, Arizona, Nevada, and Wisconsin. These states were pivotal in the 2020 election and remain closely contested due to their evenly split or shifting voter demographics.

There are two notable examples where the Electoral College determined the winner despite the national popularity indicating otherwise:

Al Gore in 2000

The Democratic Party’s Al Gore won the popular vote by over 500,000 votes in the 2000 presidential election but lost the presidency to Republican George W. Bush. The Electoral College vote came down to a razor-thin margin in Florida, where Bush won by a small number of votes.

Despite Gore’s popular vote lead, Bush secured more electoral votes, 271 against Gore’s 266. In this election, one of Washington D.C.’s three electors abstained from voting, which lowered the total electoral votes cast to 537 rather than the usual 538.

Hillary Clinton in 2016

In the 2016 election, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by nearly three million votes, but Trump won the presidency by capturing key swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. These wins gave Trump enough electoral votes to surpass the 270 needed, even though Clinton received more votes nationwide.

Policies

Divergent stances on key policies are also expected to play a role in determining the winner. Trump and Harris differ on the implementation of various government policies, with each strongly defending their positions.

For instance, Trump has been promoting tax cuts for businesses and higher-income earners, arguing that this approach stimulates economic growth and investment. Harris, on the other hand, supports progressive tax reforms, including higher taxes on the wealthy and large corporations to fund social programs. She advocates for policies aimed at reducing income inequality, increasing the minimum wage, and providing direct support to lower- and middle-income families.

On the sensitive issue of immigration, Trump proposes strict immigration policies, focusing on border security, reducing both legal and illegal immigration, and building a border wall. His policies include reducing refugee admissions and imposing travel bans from certain countries. Harris advocates for more inclusive immigration policies, including protections for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients, expanding pathways to citizenship, and reforming the immigration system to be more humane and efficient.

On social issues, Trump generally opposes expanded LGBTQ+ rights and has taken stances against abortion, appealing to conservative and evangelical bases. Harris, by contrast, supports LGBTQ+ rights, expanded gender equality initiatives, and access to reproductive healthcare.

As the election approaches, the nation waits to see how these policy differences and the dynamics of the Electoral College will shape the final outcome.

In recent days, Trump, who is running on the Republican Party ticket, and his Democratic counterpart, Harris, have continued their blitz across key swing states such as Georgia, Michigan, and North Carolina as they press for any possible advantage in the closing days of the campaign.

Wycliffe Nyamasege