“Today, global greenhouse gas emissions disproportionately impact Africa and small island developing states, but no country can afford to be complacent. All over the world, temperatures are rising at unprecedented rates, and the quality of the air we breathe is constantly declining, putting us all at risk,” he remarked.
The theme of this year’s conference is environmental justice. During the five-day event, members are expected to explore how environmental justice can be ensured for all individuals, providing equal access to a healthy and safe environment.
The conference will also provide a platform to examine the right to a healthy environment, protect vulnerable populations, promote sustainable development, and address systemic inequalities in environmental decision-making and resource allocation.
Kagame underscored the necessity of environmental laws in combating current challenges. “Indeed, enacting environmental laws and policies is essential if we want to build a clear and sustainable future. Even more important is having a strong and independent judiciary that enforces the law and puts the needs and interests of our people first.”
He pointed to Rwanda’s journey of judicial reform following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi as an example of how the rule of law can promote peace, security, and development. A key milestone in this process was Rwanda’s ban on plastic bags in 2008, which Kagame noted has had far-reaching benefits.
“One of the most consequential laws the country passed is the ban on plastic bags. The effect has been tremendous. Beyond the cleanliness of our streets and homes, this decision reinforced the importance of managing our resources without too much dependence on external solutions,” he stated.
Kagame also emphasized the importance of conservation efforts, particularly the protection of national parks, which serve as critical habitats for endangered species and a source of livelihood for local communities.
“All over the world, these parks are home to endangered species, who unfortunately continue to be the targets of criminal networks,” Kagame explained.
“For local communities, this rich biodiversity is a primary source of livelihood. Too often, wildlife crimes involve a wide spectrum of cross-border criminal activities that put our national security at risk.”
The president called for stronger cross-border collaboration in law enforcement to combat these threats and emphasized the role of an independent judiciary in upholding environmental justice.
“With independent and experienced judges, there is a lot that can be done to protect our environment and provide justice where it is due.”
President Kagame concluded by urging the delegates to extensively deliberate on the growing challenges of judicial corruption and case backlogs.
“Ultimately, the legitimacy of any justice system rests on the trust that citizens have in it. That is the basis of the courts’ ability to ensure respect for due process and respond swiftly and impartially to any disputes. Without this foundation, we cannot create a fairer and more peaceful world,” he concluded.
President Kagame is the current chairperson of the Commonwealth, an international association of 56 member states. He has held the position for the last two years since Rwanda hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The next meeting will be held in October 2024 in Samoa, the first CHOGM to be held in a Pacific small island developing state (SIDS).
Rupert, the chairman of the Swiss-based luxury goods company Richemont and the South Africa-based company Remgro, made headlines in late August after toppling Dangote, who had topped the list for years.
However, the latest Billionaires Index published by Bloomberg on September 8, 2024, shows that Dangote has reclaimed the top spot with a total net worth of $13.2 billion, compared to Rupert’s $13.1 billion.
The Bloomberg Billionaires Index is a daily ranking of the world’s richest people. The figures are updated at the close of every trading day in New York. Another popular ranking platform is Forbes magazine, which ranked Dangote as Africa’s richest man for the 13th year in a row in January this year.
Before overtaking Dangote last month, Bloomberg reported that Rupert’s net worth had surged by $1.9 billion to $14.3 billion over the past year, placing him 147th globally, 12 places ahead of Dangote.
The latest ranking, however, shows that both billionaires’ wealth has fallen, with the Nigerian’s fortune dropping by $1.84 billion this year. He currently ranks 159th globally, while the South African ranks 163rd.
The decline in Dangote’s wealth over the past year has been attributed to Nigeria’s challenging economic environment, where his conglomerate primarily operates.
Nigeria is grappling with a high inflation rate, which stood at over 30% in August. The removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Tinubu when he assumed office in 2023 is said to have contributed to the high inflation and the sharp fall in the value of the naira, which has significantly affected Dangote, whose wealth is largely tied to assets denominated in the local currency.
Dangote, 66, made his wealth in the cement and sugar industries. In recent years, he has expanded his empire with investments in oil, gas, and fertilizer plants.
On the other hand, Rupert and his family are known for their company Richemont, which deals in luxury goods such as jewellery, watches, fashion, and accessories. The company owns various brands, including Cartier, Montblanc, Vacheron Constantin, and IWC Schaffhausen.
Additionally, the South African’s Remgro Ltd has interests in healthcare, consumer products, financial services, infrastructure, industrial, and media sectors.
Besides Dangote and Rupert, other African business magnates listed among the top five include Nicky Oppenheimer (South Africa), Nassef Sawiris (Egypt), and Natie Kirsh, with fortunes of $11.1 billion, $9.42 billion, and $9.14 billion, respectively.
Since the launch of Prime Insurance medical cover in December 2021, Prime Insurance medical insurance is growing at a promising rate thanks to the partenrship with service providers in this space.
In 2023, Prime Medical Insurance generated RWF 3.5 billion, while by August 1, 2024, it had already earned over RWF 2.8 billion.
Col (Rtd) Eugène Murashi Haguma, the CEO of Prime General Insurance, emphasized that medical insurance plays a crucial role in the well-being of the population and should be improved to provide clients with quality services.
He stated, “Insurance is a way for many people to pool their money together. The money they contribute is not ours; it belongs to our clients. What we aim for is to ensure that people never lack medical care because we manage that money well and provide treatment until the agreed-upon term ends.”
Mike Byusa, the Commercial Director at Prime General Insurance, noted that the growth of medical insurance at the company is promising, as it accounted for 20% of the total income in the first six months of 2024.
He mentioned that discussions with their partners aim to assess how well the services are received, exchange ideas, and determine where to focus efforts for further improvement.
From the discussions, he revealed that Prime Insurance identified areas for further enhancement, such as speeding up the reimbursement process for medical claims, accelerating service delivery, and improving communication with partners.
Umutoni Carine, a representative from a hospital working with Prime Insurance, highlighted that meetings with the company’s management reinforce collaboration and are expected to improve.
She said, “It is a good initiative for Prime Insurance to bring us together to exchange ideas. These discussions are beneficial for expanding our cooperation. We talked about suggestions and areas needing more effort, and we hope these will be addressed.”
Aimé Lambert Kadende Shyaka, an employee at Kipharma Pharmacy, emphasized that both parties should work to strengthen their cooperation, particularly in stabilizing fluctuating medicine prices in the market.
In the six months ending June 2024, Prime General Insurance earned over RWF 11.6 billion, with RWF 2.5 billion coming from medical insurance.
Prime Insurance anticipates that by the end of 2024, it will generate over RWF 4 billion from medical insurance services.
Currently, Prime Medical Insurance offers individual and family medical insurance services, as well as coverage for various organizations.
Maj Gen Kagame handed over command responsibility to Maj Gen Ruvusha on Saturday, September 7, 2024, in a ceremony attended by the incoming and outgoing Task Force Brigade Group Commanders, Police Component Commanders, NISS Coordinators, and other staff officers.
During the handover ceremony, Maj Gen Ruvusha thanked the outgoing JTFC for the impressive effort with which the force carried out its duties.
The new Rwandan troops arrived in Mozambique on August 20, 2024. Maj Gen Ruvusha was briefed and given a familiarization tour of the RSF area of responsibility, including Mocimboa da Praia, Chinda, Palma, Afungi, Pundanhar, Macomia, Ancuabe, and Pemba.
The security officer’s deployment is part of Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to supporting Mozambique in countering the insurgency that has plagued Cabo Delgado since October 2017, when armed extremists first launched a rebellion in the region.
In response to the escalating violence and widespread displacement, Rwanda began deploying its security forces to Mozambique on July 9, 2021. Initially consisting of 1,000 troops from both the Rwanda Defence Force and the Rwanda National Police, the contingent had grown to nearly 2,000 by the end of 2021.
By late 2022, it was announced that the number of Rwandan troops in Mozambique had increased to about 2,500, reflecting their expanded mandate to pursue and dislodge terrorists from their hideouts.
Mozambique has also received military support from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) since 2021. However, SADC forces began withdrawing in April this year as their mandate drew to a close.
Before the intervention of Rwandan troops in 2021, terrorists had claimed the lives of 3,000 civilians, and more than 800,000 people had been displaced. The insecurity also brought all development projects in the insurgent-controlled areas to a standstill.
Over the past three years, Rwandan security forces, in collaboration with Mozambique’s armed forces, have made significant strides in dismantling the Al Sunna wa Jama’a (ASWJ) terrorist group from their strongholds in Mocimboa da Praia and Palma. This has allowed a substantial number of internally displaced people to safely return to their homes.
Durov, accused of not cooperating with French authorities, was arrested at an airport outside Paris on August 24, 2024, as part of an investigation into alleged crimes involving child pornography, drug trafficking, and fraudulent activities linked to the Telegram app. He was released four days later on €5 million bail and prohibited from leaving the country.
In a statement released on Friday, September 6, 2024, the CEO expressed surprise at being held personally responsible for third-party misuse of Telegram. He accused the French authorities of using outdated ‘pre-smartphone’ laws to hold him accountable for others’ actions, calling it “a simplistic approach”.
Speaking for the first time since his arrest, Durov emphasized that Telegram takes moderation seriously, removing millions of harmful posts and channels daily.
He referred to Telegram’s existing infrastructure, including an official EU representative to handle law enforcement requests, and denied claims that the app lacks oversight.
“We’ve always been open to dialogue and take down harmful content every day,” Durov said, adding that recent media portrayals are “absolutely untrue.” He also stressed that Telegram is committed to protecting user privacy, particularly in countries with weak rule of law.
While acknowledging that Telegram’s growth to 950 million users has created challenges, Durov pledged to make improvements in content moderation. He expressed hope that these efforts would not only enhance Telegram’s safety but also contribute to a stronger, more secure social networking industry.
Telegram, known for its strong stance on user privacy, has previously faced bans in Russia and Iran after refusing to comply with demands to share encryption keys and block protest channels.
Durov reiterated that the platform would not hesitate to leave countries whose regulations compromise its core principles of privacy and free speech.
“Sometimes we can’t agree with a country’s regulator on the right balance between privacy and security. In those cases, we are ready to leave that country. We’ve done it many times. When Russia demanded we hand over “encryption keys” to enable surveillance, we refused — and Telegram got banned in Russia. When Iran demanded we block channels of peaceful protesters, we refused — and Telegram got banned in Iran.
“We are prepared to leave markets that aren’t compatible with our principles, because we are not doing this for money. We are driven by the intention to bring good and defend the basic rights of people, particularly in places where these rights are violated,” he stated.
Nyeri County Commissioner Pius Mirigu told local media that the fire was reported at 11 p.m. on Thursday, September 5, 2024, and was contained by 3 a.m. after emergency teams were mobilized.
Sixteen students were burned beyond recognition, while one died enroute to hospital. The cause of the fire is yet to be established.
The school was shrouded in gloom as parents, guardians, and government officials struggled to come to terms with the heartbreaking tragedy.
Hillside Academy has 824 pupils — 402 boys and 422 girls — of whom 316 are boarders, while the rest are day pupils.
President William Ruto led the nation in mourning the young lives cut short by the night inferno.
“Our thoughts are with the families of the children who lost their lives in the fire tragedy at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County. This is devastating news. We pray for a speedy recovery for the survivors,” said the Head of State, currently attending the China-Africa Summit in Beijing, in a statement.
He noted that he had instructed relevant authorities to “thoroughly investigate this horrific incident.”
“Those responsible will be held to account,” he stated, adding, “The government, under the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of the National Government, is mobilizing all necessary resources to support the affected families.”
Ruto’s deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, urged school administrators to ensure that safety guidelines recommended by the Ministry of Education for boarding schools are being followed.
“Rebecca was an outstanding athlete who showcased the spirit of resilience in representing Uganda and East Africa. Her passing is not only a loss to Uganda and the athletics community, but to the entire region,” Murkomen stated.
“This tragedy is a stark reminder that we must do more to combat gender-based violence in our society, which in recent years has reared its ugly head in elite sporting circles.”
The minister pledged full support for efforts to ensure justice for Cheptegei.
“As a government, we remain committed to supporting justice for Rebecca. No one should have to go through such an ordeal. May her soul rest in peace,” he added.
Cheptegei was doused with petrol and set ablaze by her estranged partner, Dickson Ndiema, in Kitale, a town in the northwest of Kenya, on Sunday, September 1, 2024, following a disagreement. She suffered burns to 80 percent of her body. Ndiema also sustained 30 percent burns and is receiving treatment.
The tragic incident came just weeks after the 33-year-old had taken part in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she finished 44th.
The incident has shone a spotlight on violence experienced by women in Kenya. A government report published in 2022 revealed that nearly 34% of Kenyan girls and women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, with married women being particularly at risk. Several women in sports have been affected in recent years.
In April 2022, Kenyan-Bahraini athlete Damaris Muthee Mutua was found dead in Iten, a famous athletics training base in Kenya. An autopsy revealed that the then 28-year-old athlete had been strangled.
In October 2021, Olympian runner Agnes Tirop was found dead in her home in Iten with multiple stab wounds to the neck. Tirop’s estranged husband was arrested and charged with her murder. The case is pending in court.
The summit, which has become a cornerstone of China-Africa relations, was lauded for its transformative impact, as both regions continue to advance modernization and build a community with a shared future.
President Xi’s keynote address, titled “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a Community with a Shared Future,” set the tone for the summit.
He called for the elevation of bilateral relations between China and African nations to the level of strategic partnerships.
Xi emphasized that relations should evolve into an “all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future,” underscoring the enduring nature of the collaboration between the two regions.
The President reinforced this commitment by announcing RMB 360 billion (USD 50.7 billion) in financial support for Africa over the next three years, aimed at bolstering ten key partnership actions across multiple sectors.
In response, African leaders expressed their appreciation for China’s continued support and shared their vision for the future of China-Africa relations.
As Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the outgoing co-chair of FOCAC, pointed out, “The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation has become a model of effective partnership based on dialogue and mutual respect.”
He also praised China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which has expanded Africa’s infrastructure in critical sectors like ports, airports, highways, and railways.
Further emphasizing this cooperative spirit, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani, Chairperson of the African Union, highlighted that the China-Africa partnership is built on more than just economic exchanges.
“It is primarily based on a strong sharing of visions and positions, such as the belief in a community with a shared future for mankind and the need to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development,” he remarked.
Ghazouani noted that the partnership framework offered by FOCAC enables both regions to develop new paths for solidarity and cooperation, creating a foundation for mutual benefit.
As African countries navigate their development journey, infrastructure remains a key priority.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed the importance of this in his address, noting, “Whenever the need arises, the people of the world reach out to one another in the name of common humanity. This is what brings African countries and China together under FOCAC.”
Ramaphosa praised the growth of China-Africa trade, which reached USD 282.1 billion in 2023, marking an 11% increase since 2021. He also welcomed China’s proposal to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic level, viewing it as a reflection of China’s deep commitment to its partnership with Africa.
Apart from trade, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), introduced by President Xi Jinping, became a platform connecting nations and building a shared future.
Over 50 African countries have joined the BRI, embracing the rewards of improved infrastructure, reduced unemployment, and expanded trade opportunities.
Driven by the BRI, Chinese companies have undertaken awe-inspiring infrastructure projects in Africa. Within 23 years, they have constructed or upgraded more than 10,000 kilometers of railways, nearly 100,000 kilometers of roads, approximately 1,000 bridges, and 100 ports.
These transformative projects enhanced trade and created over 4.5 million jobs, breathing new life into African communities.
Building on this theme of shared development, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu emphasized the alignment between China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Africa’s infrastructure goals under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, noting, “This partnership offers even greater promise for the future.”
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan echoed these sentiments, describing China as a true partner in Africa’s fight against poverty and its pursuit of prosperity.
“These partnership actions will support China and Africa in strengthening cooperation in various fields and advancing modernization together,” she remarked.
Suluhu’s words reflected the broad consensus among African leaders on the significance of the initiatives proposed by President Xi, which include cooperation in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso, who succeeded his Senegalese counterpart as FOCAC co-chair, reflected on the importance of collaboration for modernization and peace.
“Africa and China are growing closer based on shared history, values, and solidarity,” he remarked.
He expressed hope that FOCAC would continue to play a key role in global governance, helping to address Africa’s development challenges through intensified trade and investment.
At the global level, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres praised China’s role in promoting South-South cooperation, stating, “China’s remarkable rapid development, including eradicating poverty, provides a wealth of experience and expertise.”
He emphasized that Africa stands to benefit significantly from China’s support, particularly in areas such as trade, finance, and technology.
Following the opening ceremony, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, co-chaired a high-level meeting on governance, in which heads of state shared experiences and offered further insights into the broader China-Africa relationship.
President Kagame said that Africa needs partners who value people’s cooperation and emphasized Africa’s readiness to enhance political, trade, and investment partnerships with China.
Since its inception in 2000, FOCAC has moved between major African and Chinese cities, consistently strengthening the bond between the two regions. This year’s summit reaffirmed FOCAC’s status as a cornerstone of South-South cooperation and a platform for fostering long-term development and prosperity for both Africa and China.
He made the remarks in a recent written (Q&A) interview with Xinhua. The following is the written interview.
Question: Over the past 20 years and more, under your leadership, Rwanda’s GDP has grown at an average rate of nearly 8 percent, becoming one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa and even globally. What has enabled Rwanda to achieve such remarkable economic growth?
Answer: Rwanda’s economic growth over the past two decades is the result of a combination of factors, including leadership, a strong commitment to good governance, and a focus on inclusive development. We have prioritized creating a stable and secure environment, investing in human capital, and fostering a business-friendly climate.
Additionally, our emphasis on homegrown solutions, such as promoting unity and reconciliation, has allowed us to build a strong social fabric that supports sustainable development.
Question: Both Rwanda and China have achieved miraculous development under extremely challenging circumstances. What similarities do you see between the two countries in terms of national governance? Which places in China have you visited, and what are your deepest impressions of China’s modernization?
Answer: Rwanda and China share a history of overcoming immense challenges to achieve significant progress. Both countries have shown resilience, determination, and a commitment to self-reliance.
In terms of governance, we both prioritize long-term planning, social stability, and the well-being of our citizens.
We have visited several places in China: Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing, among others, and what impresses me most is the scale of development and modernization, particularly in infrastructure and technology, which serves as an inspiration for Rwanda’s own development journey.
Question: How do you evaluate the achievements in the development of bilateral relations over the past 50 years? Especially in areas including poverty reduction, economy and trade, agriculture, green development, and digitalization, what results have been achieved?
Answer: We have deepened our cooperation with China across various fields, including trade, agriculture, green development, and digitalization. China has become one of Rwanda’s largest trading partners, and our collaboration has led to tangible results, especially in poverty reduction and infrastructure development.
Question: In recent years, the two countries have carried out fruitful cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. How do you evaluate the role of this cooperation in promoting sustainable development and improving livelihoods in both countries? In your opinion, in which areas can the two countries further explore the potential for cooperation in the future?
Answer: The Belt and Road Initiative has played a crucial role in enhancing Rwanda’s infrastructure and promoting sustainable development. Projects like roads in different corners of our country and in the city of Kigali, IPRC North in Musanze, and the Nyabarongo II Hydropower Plant have had a direct impact on improving livelihoods and supporting economic growth.
Looking forward, we see potential for further cooperation in areas such as digital economy, renewable energy, and agricultural modernization.
Question: Rwanda is known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” with beautiful scenery and rich tourism resources. However, the number of tourists from China is still relatively low. You have mentioned on various occasions that Chinese are welcome to work, live, and travel in Rwanda. How do you think the governments and media of the two countries can better promote Rwanda?
Answer: Rwanda has much to offer in terms of tourism, and we are keen to welcome more Chinese tourists. To enhance mutual understanding and awareness, both governments and media can play a pivotal role. We should promote cultural exchanges, educational partnerships, and tourism initiatives. By highlighting the beauty of Rwanda and the hospitality of its people, we can attract more visitors from China, thereby strengthening our bilateral cultural ties.
Question: You have visited China multiple times and attended the 2006 and 2018 Beijing summits of the FOCAC in your capacity as president of Rwanda. In 2018, you mentioned at the forum that “The expanded cooperation framework presented by Chinese President Xi Jinping fully reflects our common understanding of the future of our community.” Six years have passed; has the envisioned cooperation met your expectations?
Answer: The FOCAC has been a key platform for deepening the partnership between China and Africa. The expanded cooperation framework presented by President Xi in 2018 has indeed met our expectations, particularly in areas like infrastructure development and digital connectivity.
Chinese tourists and entrepreneurs can now travel to Rwanda and receive visas upon arrival. As for this year’s summit, we look forward to further strengthening our cooperation, especially in new and emerging fields, ensuring that our partnership continues to benefit both China and Africa.
Question: Rwanda and China have both suffered significant disasters in history due to the interference of Western countries in our internal affairs. Even today, some Western countries still attempt to undermine China-Africa cooperation by fabricating false narratives such as “debt traps” and “new colonialism.” What is your assessment of these claims? From your point of view, how should countries approach and cooperate with Africa?
Answer: The claims of “debt traps” and “new colonialism” are often unfounded and reflect a misunderstanding of the nature of China-Africa cooperation. Rwanda, like many other African countries, values its partnership with China, which is based on mutual respect and shared interests.
Rather than being dictated by external narratives, we believe in evaluating partnerships based on their actual outcomes. Our approach to cooperation is one that emphasizes sovereignty, self-reliance, and the pursuit of win-win outcomes.
Question: In March 2013, shortly after President Xi took office as Chinese president, he visited Africa and for the first time put forward to the world a policy of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith, and pursuing the greater good and shared interests. He vowed that China and Africa would always be reliable friends and sincere partners. How do you comment on China’s concepts regarding developing relations with Africa?
Answer: China’s approach to Africa, characterized by sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith, resonates strongly with Rwanda’s values. Rwanda had the honor to host President Xi in 2018 when I was Chair of the African Union Commission. This commitment speaks to the vigor and reliability of our relations. China has proven to be a reliable friend and partner, supporting Africa’s development without imposing its will. This model of cooperation is one that we deeply appreciate and seek to continue.
Question: Currently, the voices of the Global South are becoming louder and louder on the international stage. The Chinese side emphasizes that China has always been a member of the “Global South” and will always belong to developing countries. China’s vote in the United Nations will always belong to developing countries. How do you think China and Africa should strengthen unity and cooperation on the multilateral stage in the future?
Answer: As the voices of the Global South grow stronger on the international stage, it is essential for China and Africa to continue to strengthen their unity and cooperation.
China’s commitment to being a member of the Global South and aligning its interests with those of developing countries is commendable. Together, we can work to ensure that our collective voice is heard in multilateral forums, advocating for a more just and equitable global order.
Question: Have you been following “Chinese modernization”? Do you think China’s development model can provide some inspiration for Rwanda? What are the challenges that Rwanda faces in localizing Chinese experiences?
Answer: The Chinese-style modernization is indeed something we observe with great interest. China’s model of development, characterized by long-term planning, strong state involvement, and an emphasis on infrastructure and technology, offers inspiration for Rwanda. However, the challenge for Rwanda is to adapt these experiences to our unique context. Localization of Chinese experiences requires careful consideration of our cultural, social, and economic realities. Nonetheless, the principles of self-reliance, innovation, and strategic planning that underpin China’s success are universally applicable and can guide Rwanda’s development trajectory.
Question: This year marked the 30th anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide against the Tutsi. Looking back on this tragic event, do you think the different ethnic groups within Rwanda have achieved reconciliation today? In the future, what measures will your government take to further heal ethnic conflicts, ensure national stability, and promote ethnic unity?
Answer: The 30th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi is a solemn reminder of the darkest chapter in our history. My feelings are those of deep sorrow for the lives lost, but also immense pride in the resilience of the Rwandan people who have chosen the path of reconciliation and unity.
Today, Rwanda has made significant progress in healing ethnic divisions through inclusive policies, justice, and promoting national identity over ethnic identity.
Moving forward, we will continue to focus on building a cohesive society where all Rwandans feel valued and secure, ensuring that our nation remains stable and united.
Question: What is your vision for the development of Rwanda in the next ten years? On the global and African stage, what role do you hope Rwanda will play?
Answer: In the next ten years, I envision Rwanda becoming a middle-income country, with a diversified economy driven by innovation, technology, and high-value sectors.
On the global and African stage, Rwanda aspires to be a leader in peacekeeping, environmental sustainability, and regional integration. Rwanda will continue to play a constructive role in African development, contributing to the continent’s progress and standing as a strong advocate for African interests in international forums.
The eight-day-long reed dance is a traditional rite of passage into womanhood, where young women sing and dance bare-chested, dressed in traditional attire that includes anklets and vibrant, colourful tassels. Some participants also carry mock swords and shields.
Eswatini spokesman Alpheous Nxumalo told the BBC that Nomcebo and King Mswati III are “marrying for love,” downplaying criticism about the age gap and political power play.
“Love has no eyes to see or count age. Love happens between two people. It can happen between a person who is 100 years old and a person who is above the average of what is permitted constitutionally,” Nxumalo said.
A section of analysts had speculated that the marriage would strengthen political ties between the King and Zuma, who was president of South Africa from 2009 until 2018. The former Head of State, who is also polygamous and has been married six times, was forced to resign by his African National Congress party after a series of corruption allegations.
King Mswati, who has ruled the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) for 38 years, is allowed to marry multiple times. He has been married 15 times. Two of King Mswati’s wives are deceased, while two others are divorced.
