Rwanda starts implementing Open Border Policy

Effective Monday January 1, 2018, all visitors to Rwanda started to get a 30-day visa upon arrival without prior application, the Rwandan Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration announced.

Under the new visa regime, first announced last November, citizens of the other East African Community Partner states are entitled to six months visitors pass (renewable) upon arrival with no fee.

U.S, Britain warn South Sudan parties over ceasefire violations

The United States, Britain and Norway have called on parties in the South Sudan conflict and their field commanders to stop violating the ceasefire signed last month, their heads of missions in Juba said on Tuesday.

There have been at least five violations reported, blamed on both sides in the conflict.

“We call on all signatories, and the field commanders who answer to them, to immediately end all military operations,” the three Western countries said in a joint statement.

Uganda; Pres. Museveni signs Age Limit Bill into law

Uganda’s President Museveni has signed into law the controversial age limit Bill that dominated the political space in 2017, paving the way for him to contest for a sixth term in office.

The development was confirmed by the president’s press office, saying Museveni appended his signature on December 27 before forwarding it to the parliament as required.

Miss America scandal: Former winner Carlson crowned new chairperson

Ms Carlson is already known as a vocal opponent of sexual harassment

The Miss America beauty pageant has chosen a former winner as its chairperson for the first time after a scandal over leaked emails.

The organisation's CEO resigned in December after the leaks showed he mocked contestants over their weight and sex lives.

Former pageant winners were then invited to help choose new leaders for the Miss America Organization.

US teen arrested after family shot dead on New Year's Eve

A US teenager has been arrested after his family were found shot dead in their home on New Year's Eve.

Police responded to a report of shots fired at a house in Long Branch, New Jersey, shortly before midnight.

On arrival, they discovered the suspect's father, mother, sister, and a family friend had all been killed.