Rwanda Roundup: Marburg vaccines, M23 rebels, tennis success

Marburg vaccines launched

In recent developments, Rwandan health officials have initiated a vaccination trial against the highly contagious Marburg virus, following an outbreak that has already claimed 12 lives. The Sabin Vaccine Institute has provided 700 doses of an experimental vaccine intended for frontline healthcare workers and contacts of confirmed cases. Currently, the situation is critical with 46 confirmed infections, of which 29 individuals are isolated. This outbreak, which commenced on 27 September, highlights the severe threat of Marburg, which can have a fatality rate as high as 88%. In response, Rwanda has enforced stringent measures, including suspending school and hospital visits, to mitigate further spread, My London reports.

Macron calls for withdrawal of Rwandan troops from DR Congo

French President Emmanuel Macron has advocated for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and M23 rebels from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This request arises amid ongoing conflicts that have persisted since 2021. During a summit held in Paris, Macron underscored the necessity to dismantle armed groups to restore the sovereignty of the DRC and suggested a resumption of the political process. Despite his call to action, Macron faced backlash for his lack of direct engagement with DRC affairs in his opening remarks, prompting a protest walkout by DRC President Felix Tshisekedi. The President condemned armed groups such as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and stressed inclusive negotiations with all involved parties, reports News Central.

What is Marburg?

Rwanda's current outbreak—its first—was confirmed in late September, with 36 reported cases and 11 fatalities. The World Health Organization (WHO) has evaluated the outbreak risk as 'very high' at the national level, 'high' at the regional level, and 'low' on a global scale. According to Aljazeera, the specific source of the outbreak remains undetermined; however, transmission typically occurs through interaction with infected bodily fluids or contaminated environments. As there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments for the Marburg virus, Rwanda's initiation of clinical trials for potential vaccines is a noteworthy step towards combating this health crisis. Public health officials recommend stringent hygiene practices and minimising contact with symptomatic individuals as preventive measures.

Rwanda Open M25

Corentin Denolly has made headlines by reaching the men's singles final of the Rwanda Open M25 for the second consecutive week after Dutch player Max Houkes retired due to injury in their semifinal duel. Denolly, a past champion of the tournament, is set to compete against Austria's Maximilian Neuchrist in the final, scheduled for 6 October. Neuchrist secured his place in the final by defeating Zimbabwe’s Benjamin Lock with a score of 6-3, 6-3, and has already clinched the doubles title alongside Swiss partner Arthur Laborde, reports The New Times.

M23 rebel conflict

Additionally, Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe has highlighted a setback in negotiations regarding the M23 rebel conflict that has resulted in the displacement of over 1.7 million individuals in eastern DRC. The agreement in question aimed to address actions against the Hutu rebel group FDLR in conjunction with Rwanda scaling back its defensive posture. However, the Congolese foreign minister has rejected the proposal, insisting that both actions must occur concurrently. As reported by the Monitor, while military delegates have signed preliminary agreements, formal signing remains contingent upon Congo's approval, exacerbating the existing tensions between the two nations. Rwanda denies supporting the M23 group and has accused Congo of collaborating with FDLR forces.