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Rwandan government suspends organisers of Miss Rwanda Pageant following allegations of sexual abuse of contestants

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The Rwandan government has suspended the organisers of the Miss Rwanda Beauty Pageant following several allegations of sexual abuse of contestants.

The country’s Minister of Youths and Culture, Rose Mary Mbabazi, who gave the suspension order on Tuesday, said that the Rwanda Inspiration Backup which is the official body that organises the event, has also been barred from going ahead with the preparations for the 2022 edition of the pageant.

Mbabazi further revealed that her ministry in conjunction with the Rwanda Culture Heritage Academy will consider looking for a new organizer for the event.

The Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Inspiration Backup, Dieudonne Ishimwe, has also been arrested and is undergoing investigations over the sexual abuse of several contestants and other allegations of sexual misconducts.

Ishimwe who was first arrested last month by the police, is now facing three charges including rape, soliciting sexual favors, and sexual harassment.

Local media reports indicated that at least four girls who contested in the Miss Rwanda beauty pageant in 2021 had accused Ishimwe of sexually abusing them leading to his arrest.

A state investigator was also quoted as saying that Ishimwe “is suspected of sexual abuse charges towards Miss Rwanda contestants on different occasions.”

If convicted, Ishimwe faces a 15-year jail term because under Rwandan laws, ‘sexual abuse or pushing any individual into sex acts by force, threats, trickery or by use of authority over that person’ is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

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Culture

Egypt unveils stamp to mark 100th anniversary of relationship with Brazil

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The Egyptian Post Board has unveiled a stamp to mark its 100th anniversary of relations with Brazil.

The commemorative stamp which was unveiled on Thursday, is designed with an artistic image that contains some of the famous tourist attractions in both countries.

With a size of 4 cm by 6 cm,
the stamp is insured against counterfeiting, multi-colored, and is value 10 Egyptian pounds.

According to Dr. Sherif Farouk, Chairman of the Egyptian Post Board of Directors, the stamp is equipped with QR Code technology, with the aim of creating a “rich interactive experience for those who possess them, enabling them to acquire the necessary knowledge about this occasion in an innovative and attractive way.”

Egyptian-Brazilian relations are characterized by mutual trust, and close and constructive cooperative relations,” Dr. Farouk said.

He further explained that during the past years, Egypt and Brazil were able to develop means of cooperation to include many fields, which informed the idea by Egyptian Post to take the initiative of issuing a commemorative postage stamp on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Egyptian-Brazilian relations

“The anniversary stamp has the aim of strengthening the strong diplomatic relations between the two countries,” he stated.

Dr. Farouk added that commemorative stamp is an important means of cultural communication between different countries of the world, and document the history of nations throughout the ages.

“Therefore, the Egyptian Post is always keen to issue commemorative stamps on important events and occasions to document and commemorate those events,” he noted.

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Ghanaians celebrate return of Asante Gold artefacts looted by British

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Ghanaians, especially those from the ancient Asante region, have been in joyous mood as they flocked to the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of the region, to welcome the 32 golden artefacts which were returned to the Kingdom in a loan deal by the United Kingdom after they were looted about 150 years ago.

The agreement to loan back the artefacts to their original owners for an initial period of three years was reached between two British museums, the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) and British Museum, and the Asante King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, with a possible of further extending the loan period.

The returned precious items have been on display at palace museum since they were returned and have been a source of joy for the people as they troop in daily to see and have a feel of their ancient history.

The return of the artefacts also coincides with the silver jubilee celebration of the Asantehene.

Some of the items, described by as “Ghana’s crown jewels” were looted during the Anglo-Ashanti wars of the 19th Century, including the famous Sargrenti War of 1874.

Among the returned artefacts are the sword of state, gold peace pipe and gold badges worn by officials charged with cleansing the soul of the king.

Other items like the gold harp (Sankuo) which were given to a British diplomat in 1817.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who spoke on the significance of the returned items, said the dignity of the Kingdom has been restored.

“This is a day for Asante. A day for the Black African continent. The spirit we share is back.

“We acknowledge the very painful history surrounding the acquisition of these objects.

“These treasures have borne witness to triumph and trials of the great kingdom and their return to Kumasi is testament to the power of cultural exchange and reconciliation,” the King added.

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