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  • First German-Rwandan Youth Meeting Held in Berlin

    First German-Rwandan Youth Meeting Held in Berlin

    {{The first German-Rwandan Youth Meeting took place August 30, in the German capital city Berlin. On the invitation of the German-Rwandan Youth Network “Rwanda Connection” Rwandan and German youths, as well as friends of Rwanda participated in the first summit on youth activism for Rwanda. }}

    The theme was “Youth Engagement for Rwanda: From youths for youths, let’s move our world”.

    The event was opened by Rwanda Connection’s chairperson Elisabeth Kaneza during a conference meeting including presentations and a panel discussion.

    Elisabeth Kaneza, who was born in Rwanda and raised in Germany, said that the first German-Rwandan Youth Meeting is an occasion created for the youths, the Rwandan community and friends of Rwanda to exchange and learn from each other.

    She shared with the audience the remarkable progress of Rwanda, saying that the country is an example to many and that youths should play a role in shaping its future.

    The first speaker Josefine Matysiak, a German student who did a voluntary year in Rwanda and co-founder of the youth association Zugvögel (flying birds) shared her experience as a returned volunteer.

    She explained that her association is among the first to send Rwandan volunteers to Germany where they stay with German host families and exchange with other youths. Josephine emphasized that youth exchanges in development cooperation are still marked by a “one-way road” which prevents youths from non-European countries to easily travel to Germany.

    The second speaker Michaella Rugwizangoga, a Rwandan student in the city of Kaiserslautern and co-founder of the youth network “Ejo-Connect” promoting youth exchange within the partnership Rhineland-Palatinate/Rwanda, gave a presentation on building bridges from youths to youths.

    She asked the youths to be pro-active and engaged in networks and associations in order to have a say in issues which concern them. Michaella gave examples of youth initiatives aimed at making a change in Rwanda by using the skills and know-how they acquired abroad.

    The presentations were followed by a panel discussion moderated my Abdoul Rahime Diallo, project manager at the foundation “Partnership for Africa” and former coordinator of the Diaspora Policy Centre in The Hague. The panellists were Elisabeth Kaneza, Michaella Rugwizangoga and Josefine Matysiak.

    Moderator Abdoul Rahime said that he was impressed by the high number of participants and that this would reflect a notable public interest in Rwanda. During the panel the speakers answered questions from the audience and gave recommendations for promoting youth cooperation and exchanges at the same eye-level.

    They agreed that the opportunity of travelling and experiencing new cultures should be accessible to all youths, irrespective of their nationalities. The gained experiences and skills would benefit their home countries and the world in general.

    Participants among the youths asked for more opportunities were the role of the youth for the development of Rwanda should be discussed. Others wished to have similar events bringing together German and Rwandan youths.

    Closing the conference Rwanda Connection’s chairperson Elisabeth Kaneza called upon the participants to actively engage youths and create more opportunities for their contribution. She reminded the youths that they should always work towards overcoming the inequalities preventing youths around the world to make full use of their potential.

    “We are one world. Youths rarely think in terms of “us and them”. However, for some people the term “global citizen” is a reality while for others it’s not. This is a challenge we must face and fight to overcome. We are the ones who are going to lead this world. But this will only come to pass if we are ready to lead. If we take this responsibility. If we take this challenge.”

    After the conference the guests were invited to an entertaining cultural evening during which a fashion show and Rwandan cultural dance were presented. Furthermore, the organizers shared with the participants culinary delights from Rwanda.

    Among the guests of the event were representatives of Non-governmental Organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, the Rwandan community in Germany as well as friends of Rwanda.

    The first German-Rwandan Youth Meeting was first launched on August 24, 2013 in the city of Holzheim in the framework of the Rwanda Day, with a workshop on youth empowerment and a cultural performance.

    The Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda in Germany together with the Rwandan Minister of Local Government and the Rhineland-Palatinate Minister of Internal Affairs participated in the meeting and shared with the youths their experiences in leadership.

    They urged the youths to remain focused on their goals and to never shy away from working hard in order to achieve them.

    Sponsors and supporters of the first German-Rwandan Youth Meeting include the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Interior, Sports and Infrastructure, the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda, the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy and Brussels Airlines.

    Cooperation partners are among others the Rwandan student association of Kaiserslautern, Isaro Foundation, Igihe Limited and Ejo-Connect. Rwandan youths who contributed to the event’s campaign are Akaliza Keza Gara (Rwanda), Meilleur Murindabigwi (Rwanda), Jean Leon Iragena (USA) and Sangwa Rwabuhihi (Germany).

  • Mantrac Exhibits CAT Equipment in Tanzania

    Mantrac Exhibits CAT Equipment in Tanzania

    {{Mantrac Tanzania, the sole authorised dealer for Caterpillar products in Tanzania, held an exhibition for showcasing the full range of CAT construction equipment in Dar es Salaam.}}

    The Mantrac Tanzania team leader for used and rental machines, James Malonga said that the two-day exhibition that was held at the Mantrac grounds, was visited by contractors from across the country who had landed there for an opportunity to learn about the quality of Caterpillar machines used in undertaking various construction activities.

    “The exhibition was a unique opportunity for small, medium and large contractors to learn more about the CAT equipment distributed by Mantrac Tanzania,” he noted.

    Malonga said that the show provided contractors an idea about available credit facilities provided by Mantrac Tanzania and Stanbic Bank.

    Such opportunities can offer builders the capacity to take informed decisions on the equipment to be procured, he noted.

    “Limited capacity and high prices of the construction equipment have been hampering most small scale contractors to pursue big projects that could, at times, signify an automatic elimination from the tender process,” he said.

    The Bona and Hubert Engineering managing director Hubert Chuwa said CAT equipment meet the highest quality standards which help builders to pursue and complete construction projects on time.

    {africanreview}

  • Burkina Faso army ‘Foils Assassination Attempt on President’

    Burkina Faso army ‘Foils Assassination Attempt on President’

    {{Presidential guards in Burkina Faso have killed an armed former colleague who penetrated the presidential palace early Saturday morning, sources confirmed Sunday.}}

    State television had Saturday said the guards shot and killed an ex-military officer on the premises of the presidential palace after a fire fight.

    The slain man, identified as former army corporal Romuald Tuina, had managed to enter the presidential palace’s compound with a Kalashnikov rifle, sources said.

    Ex-corporal Tuina, who was assigned to guard the country’s President, had been sacked from the presidential guard service last year.

    In an apparent bid to assassinate President Blaise Compaore, sources said the ex-soldier accessed the palace after he jumped over the power generator near the compound’s steel fence.

    Sources said he was wearing military fatigues in an attempt to evade surveillance.

    It was after he attempted to break into the palace’s arsenal that the guards realised there was an intruder and started firing at him.

    During the gunfire,Tuina was reportedly killed instantly.

    President Compaore was said to be in the palace at the time of the shooting.

    agencies

  • Man Murdered in Argument Over Sleep

    Man Murdered in Argument Over Sleep

    {{A man has been arrested for allegedly shooting dead another man in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal police said on Monday.}}

    The body of Philani Mdlangathi, 22, was found lying on the floor inside a house in Caluza on Saturday night, Captain Thulani Zwane said.

    Mdlangathi was drinking with two men at his house when he got into an argument with one of the men about where to sleep.

    During the argument Mdlangathi was shot in the neck.

    Mdlangathi’s friend called police and a 40-year-old man was arrested at the scene. He was found in possession of a firearm.

    – SAPA

  • UN: Water, Sanitation a Massive Challenge

    UN: Water, Sanitation a Massive Challenge

    {{Water and sanitation remains a massive challenge, but one that should be tackled to relieve the suffering of millions, the UN has said.}}

    To deal effectively with the water and sanitation crisis… is fundamental for fighting disease and poverty,” UN deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson said at the World Water Week plenary session in Stockholm on Monday.

    World Water Week kicked off on Sunday with the proposal that the global scarcity of water is a critical risk to human populations and that there needs to be a greater urgency in addressing the pressures on the resource.

    Eliasson expressed his hope that water management becomes a key “mobiliser” in politics.

    “In a world of population growth and the pressures on water resources within and among nations, sound and clear water management is huge task and a clear imperative for all of us, and we have no time to waste,” he said.

    The demand for potable water is expected to sharply increase over the next decade and this might have serious implications for social cohesion.

    “Water quality, as you know, to a large degree, still fails to the meet basic WHO [World Health Organisation] standards. This glass of water is still a luxury – a dream – for 768 million people. Let’s not forget that,” said Eliasson.

    According to environmental organisation Food Tank, water pollution has measurable impacts in society.

    Contaminated water plays a significant role in malnutrition – vomiting and diarrhoea caused by water-borne diseases prevent the absorption of key nutrients in food, and are responsible for the deaths of approximately 1.3 million children every year,” said Food Tank co-founder Danielle Nierenberg.

    Food Tank believes that localised solutions for water are more realistic and sustainable to implement. This is especially true for developing countries where there is often a lack of government infrastructure.

    “Both new techniques – such as solar-powered drip irrigation methods in Benin – and old – such as zai, an effective form of rainwater harvesting in Burkina Faso, should serve to inform the future of farming,” said Nierenberg.

    news24

  • South Sudan’s Kiir to visit Sudan ahead of oil stoppage deadline

    South Sudan’s Kiir to visit Sudan ahead of oil stoppage deadline

    {{South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir will visit Sudan on Tuesday for talks with President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, officials said on Sunday, as the long-time foes seek to avert a halt of vital cross-border oil flows.}}

    Diplomats hope what is only Kiir’s second visit to Khartoum since South Sudan’s secession in 2011 will help build trust between the neighbours, who fought one of Africa’s longest civil wars that ended in 2005.

    Both countries agreed in March to defuse tensions and resume oil exports from landlocked South Sudan through the north, its only route to market.

    But Sudan has threatened to halt oil flows by Sept. 6 unless Juba cuts ties with rebels operating across the disputed and unmarked border. South Sudan denies providing them any support.

    Kiir and Foreign Minster Barnaba Marial Benjamin will travel to Khartoum to discuss implementing the March agreement with Bashir, South Sudan’s foreign ministry spokesman Mawien Makol Arik said.

    Sudan’s state news agency SUNA also reported the planned visit, saying both heads of states would discuss bilateral cooperation. It gave no more details.

    The African Union has stepped up efforts to prevent the production shutdown, starting an investigation of the Sudanese allegations.

    South Sudan relies heavily on oil exports and the shut down could have serious economic and political implications.

    Diplomats doubt Sudan will actually close the two cross-border pipelines as it needs South Sudan’s payment of oil transit fees. Khartoum has several times extended a deadline threatening a halt of oil flows.

    wirestory

  • South Africa petrol Station Workers Suspend Strike for More Talks

    South Africa petrol Station Workers Suspend Strike for More Talks

    Workers at South Africa’s petrol stations and car dealerships have postponed a strike for higher wages due to start on Monday to allow for more talks with employers, a spokesman for the country’s leading manufacturing union said.

    The mover offers a bit of relief for Africa’s largest economy where workers in the car manufacturing sector have been on strike for two weeks and unionised gold miners are threatening to go on strike this week.

    Castro Ngobese, spokesman for the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA), said the union was expected to meet petrol station operators and motor industry retailers on Wednesday and Thursday.

    “If nothing comes out of the talks, we will file for a strike notice. Then we will begin with our strike on the 9th of September,” Ngobese told media.

    Citing escalating living and transport costs, NUMSA said last week its 72,000 members working in petrol stations, automotive retail shops and car dealerships would strike “in demand of a living wage and improved conditions”.

    The rand last month tumbled to four-year lows due to the labour unrest that has swept Africa’s largest economy and raised worries of slower growth.

    Striking car workers rejected a double-digit wage increase offer last Thursday and said they would intensify a strike that has crippled production of a major export. The auto industry strike was costing the economy an estimated $60 million a day.

    South African gold miners plan to strike for higher pay from Tuesday, inflicting more damage on an industry that has produced a third of the bullion ever pulled from the earth but is now in rapid decline.

    agencies

  • Obama & Aides Confront Skeptical Congress on Syria strike

    Obama & Aides Confront Skeptical Congress on Syria strike

    {{President Barack Obama and his top aides launched a full-scale political offensive on Sunday to persuade a skeptical Congress to approve a military strike against Syria, but faced a struggle to win over lawmakers from both parties and a war-weary American public.}}

    Obama made calls to members of the House of Representatives and Senate, with more scheduled for Monday, underscoring the task confronting the administration before it can go ahead with using force in response to a deadly chemical attack blamed on the Syrian government.

    Dozens of lawmakers, some in tennis shirts or shirtsleeves, cut short their vacations and streamed into the corridors of the Capitol building for a Sunday afternoon intelligence briefing on Syria with Obama’s national security team.

    When they emerged nearly three hours later, there was no immediate sign that the many skeptics in Congress had changed their minds. Many questioned the broad nature of the measure Obama is seeking, suggesting it needed to be narrowed.

    “I am very concerned about taking America into another war against a country that hasn’t attacked us,” said Representative Janice Hahn, a California Democrat. On the way out of the briefing, she said the participants appeared “evenly divided” on whether to give Obama approval.

    Most seemed convinced that Syria had engaged in chemical warfare. “The searing image of babies lined up dead, that’s what I can’t get out of my mind right now,” Democratic Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz said after the closed-door briefing.

    But the credibility of the administration’s intelligence is turning out to be a less important issue than the nature and usefulness of the response.

    Earlier in the day, Secretary of State John Kerry invoked the crimes of Adolf Hitler and Saddam Hussein and warned of a potential threat to Israel a day after Obama delayed an imminent attack on Syrian targets until after a congressional vote.

    agencies

  • Afghan Taliban Target U.S. Army Base as Attacks Mount

    Afghan Taliban Target U.S. Army Base as Attacks Mount

    {{Taliban fighters attacked part of a U.S. military outpost in the eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar on Monday, officials said, less than a week after targeting a Polish base in a nearby province.}}

    Attacks on Afghan security forces and civilians have also mounted this week killing dozens and adding to fears the drawdown of foreign troops, most of whom are due to leave the country by the end of next year, is allowing insurgents to regain lost territory.

    The attack prompted police to shut part of a highway between the provincial capital and Torkham district near the border with Pakistan, a security source said. The base itself was not penetrated.

    Three Taliban fighters were killed in the clash, but no others casualties were reported, district governor Isa Khan Zwak said.

    {agencies}

  • Senegal’s President Replaces Prime Minister

    Senegal’s President Replaces Prime Minister

    {{Senegal’s President Macky Sall has fired Prime Minister Abdoul Mbaye, replacing him with Justice Minister Aminata Toure.}}

    “The president has asked me to form and lead a new government…I have accepted the job,” Toure said.

    Presidential spokesman Abou Abel Thiam did not disclose the reason of announcing Mbaye’s departure on Sunday.

    Mbaye, who was not a member of any political party, had been chosen for the post right after Sall’s March 2012 election victory.

    Mbaye studied in Senegal and France’s top business schools and previously worked at West Africa’s BCEAO central bank.

    He has been credited with turning around several ailing private banks in the country.

    Sall won a hotly contested presidential election in 2012 against veteran incumbent Abdoulaye Wade, promising to tackle poverty and corruption as a priority and reduce the cost of running the West African state’s government.

    Source: Agencies