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Category: News

  • How Rwanda’s tea rise meets Malipo’s Mountain momentum

    This journey offers meaningful parallels for Rwanda, where tea remains a vital contributor to both rural livelihoods and national export revenues.

    Jason Choi, Director of Sunwah Group and President of its GBA and Southwest Region, described the early challenges in Malipo: “Each household made tea in its own way—sometimes in a barbarous way. Some would cut down the tea tree entirely, harming both the environment and sustainability.” To change this, Sunwah Group invested in a modern tea processing facility.

    Since its October 2023 launch, the Malipo Sunwah Tea Factory has processed over 60 tons of tea leaves, created 28 products, and introduced 11 varieties of “International Friendship Tea.” It now collaborates with 15 cooperatives and supports over 8,000 direct and indirect jobs.

    The factory’s goals are two-fold: improving local livelihoods and building a standardized, globally recognized tea industry. Malipo’s tea is now being positioned for both domestic and international markets, including Africa.

    Rwanda’s own tea journey, though unique in context, shares striking similarities in ambition and reform. Rwanda’s tea production has steadily increased from 5,910 tons in 1980 to 40,003 tons by June 2024.

    Smallholder farmers contribute about 65 percent of the green leaves used in production, while industrial blocs account for the rest. In 2023/2024 alone, Rwanda earned 114.8 million USD from 38,467.7 tons of tea exports, according to the Rwanda Development Board.

    Notably, about 97.3 percent of Rwanda’s tea exports remain in raw form. However, the distribution of these exports offers insight into the evolving market dynamics.

    Eighty percent of Rwanda’s tea exports are sold via auctions, where prices can fluctuate based on demand and quality. 17.3% are sold directly to buyers, enabling a more stable price and fostering long-term relationships with international tea importers.

    A modest 2.7 percent is consumed locally, a figure that reflects the nation’s commitment to expanding its export markets.

    Despite these figures, Rwanda is working to shift the focus toward value-added products and greater market diversification. For instance, initiatives to increase the processing of tea into ready-to-sell products, such as tea bags, are in progress to reduce dependence on raw exports and increase revenue per unit.

    The government’s drive to plant 40 million new tea seedlings as part of a broader sustainability and industry transformation strategy further underlines Rwanda’s vision to build a globally competitive tea industry.

    In Malipo, the transformation was accelerated by both private investment and proactive local governance. “Even at night, government officials would offer help—talking to villages and farmers the next day,” said Choi. Diana Yinan Dai, Chief Representative of Sunwah Tea in Beijing and Yunnan, highlighted the transition from informal, manual production to a more mechanized, skill-based industry.

    “We teach the locals how to make the tea properly, and they get paid… Now tea has become an industry,” she said.

    This modernization has had a tangible economic impact. By 2024, Malipo’s GDP hit 11.05 billion yuan, with agriculture and related sectors contributing 3.06 billion. The average rural income rose by 7.4 percent to 16,679 yuan. Chaping Mountain’s 133-hectare ancient tea garden now stands as a cultural and economic icon.

    Rwanda has similarly invested in modernizing agriculture. Digital transformation, rural infrastructure, and strategic investor partnerships are enhancing productivity and export readiness.

    Digital payment systems are being rolled out across the sector to improve efficiency and transparency. These changes are expected to yield long-term cost savings and reinvestment opportunities.

    Rwanda’s tea industry has also gained international recognition. Rwanda Mountain Tea Ltd won first prize for BP1 (Kitabi) at the 2015 Gold Medal Tea Competition hosted by the Tea Associations of the USA and Canada, affirming the country’s quality credentials.

    Drawing a compelling parallel, the experiences of Rwanda and Malipo underscore the potential for even geographically challenging regions to emerge as significant players in the global agricultural landscape. Both their journeys highlight the transformative power of innovation, strategic partnerships, and the modernization of agricultural value chains.

    a_view_of_chaping_mountain_s_historic_tea_garden_now_revitalized_and_producing_premium-grade_leaves.jpga_state-of-the-art_drying_machine_at_malipo_sunwah_tea_factory_removes_moisture_from_freshly_rolled_tea_leaves_locking_in_aroma_and_preserving_quality.jpga_view_of_malipo_county_s_misty_mountain_ranges_now_home_to_thriving_tea_plantations_that_have_transformed_the_rural_economy.jpgdifferent_packaging_formats_from_loose-leaf_tins_to_eco-friendly_sachets_cater_to_diverse_market_needs.jpgTea bushes planted in terraced rows on steep mountain slopes optimize sunlight and drainage in both China and RwandaDressed in traditional attire, a performer in Malipo demonstrate a cultural tea ceremony-an artistic blend of elegance, heritage, and hospitality that honors the region’s tea traditionFactory staff seal large bales of processed tea, carefully labeled for export to international buyers across the worldimg_0885.jpgfrom_plucking_to_drying_rolling_fermenting_and_packaging_tea_leaves_undergo_meticulous_steps_before_reaching_the_cup.jpgimg_0887.jpgLocal leaders and investors inspect Malipo’s tea-growing sites, reflecting the strong governance behind the sector’s growthimg_0892.jpgimg_0894.jpglocal_leaders_and_investors_inspect_malipo_s_tea-growing_sites_reflecting_the_strong_governance_behind_the_sector_s_growth.jpgMechanical rollers gently press and twist tea leaves, shaping them and aiding in the oxidation process that defines the tea's flavor profileThey carefully pluck tea leaves from age-old tea trees in Malipo’s highlands, preserving traditional harvesting practices passed down through generationstea_bushes_planted_in_terraced_rows_on_steep_mountain_slopes_optimize_sunlight_and_drainage_in_both_china_and_rwanda.jpgWorkers at the Malipo Sunwah Tea Factory process freshly harvested tea leaves, turning them into globally marketed blendsWorkers monitor the oxidation (fermentation) phase in a temperature-controlled environment—an essential step in creating black and oolong teas

  • Pope Leo XIV begins pontificate with message of unity and gratitude in English

    Celebrating Mass in the Sistine Chapel alongside the College of Cardinals, Pope Leo XIV opened with heartfelt words before switching to Italian and Latin, the traditional liturgical languages of the Vatican.

    “I’ll begin with a word in English, and the rest is in Italian,” he said gently, pausing for a moment before continuing: “But I want to repeat the words from the Responsorial Psalm. I will sing a new song to the Lord because he has done marvels.”

    With those words, the new pontiff—Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV—invited the Church to recognize the grace and wonders of God not only in his own election, but in the collective journey of the Church itself.

    “And indeed, not just with me, but with all of us, my brother cardinals, as we celebrate this morning, I invite you to recognize the marvels that the Lord has done, the blessings that the Lord continues to pour out upon all of us.”

    In his brief English introduction, Pope Leo XIV emphasized themes of gratitude, humility, and shared mission, calling on the cardinals to accompany him in service to the Church and the world.

    “Through the ministry of Peter, you have called me to carry that cross and to be blessed with that mission. And I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me as we continue, as a church, as a community of friends of Jesus, as believers, to announce the good news, to announce the gospel.”

    “God has called me by your election to succeed the Prince of the Apostles, and has entrusted this treasure to me so that, with his help, I may be its faithful administrator…” he added.

    The choice to begin in English—spoken in his native Chicago and around the globe—was not only personal but pastoral, offering a sign of accessibility to a global audience at a time when the Catholic Church is increasingly diverse and interconnected.

    By invoking the image of the Church as a “community of friends of Jesus,” Pope Leo XIV set a tone of closeness, fraternity, and evangelization for his pontificate.

    His words echoed across the chapel and beyond, offering a message of hope, unity, and spiritual renewal as he steps into the role of shepherd to more than a billion Catholics worldwide.

    In a symbolic moment during his first Mass as the newly elected pope, Pope Leo XIV began his inaugural homily with a message in English—a rare choice that underscored both his roots and the global nature of today’s Catholic Church.

  • Xi says China, Russia should make new, greater contributions to national development and revitalization, int’l fairness and justice

    Xi made the remarks when he and Russian President Vladimir Putin jointly met the press after their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow.

    In the face of the changes of the world, of the times and of historical significance, China and Russia should keep a firm grasp on the development direction of bilateral ties and the general trend of the development of human society, Xi said.

    Noting that his talks with Putin were in-depth, cordial and fruitful, Xi said he and Putin reached many important new consensus, signed a joint statement on further deepening China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era and witnessed the exchange of multiple bilateral cooperation documents, which injected new impetus into the development of China-Russia relations.

    Xi said this is his 11th visit to Russia, the country he has visited the most since becoming the president of the People’s Republic of China. On Friday, he will attend the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War, his second time attending the grand commemoration event in ten years.

    Xi said the past decade has witnessed major turbulence and transformation in the international situation, as well as great leapfrog in China-Russia ties. The two countries have jointly witnessed the continuous consolidation and deepening of political mutual trust, and the continuous improvement of cooperation in various fields.

    Xi said that China and Russia must uphold long-standing friendship from generation to generation and remain true friends forged through trials and tribulations. Eighty years ago, in the face of brutal aggression of militarism and Nazism, the Chinese and Russian peoples stood united, fighting side by side against a common enemy and writing a remarkable and heroic chapter in history, he said.

    The great friendship forged between the two peoples through the trials of war and bloodshed has laid a solid foundation for the high-level development of bilateral relations, Xi said, adding that the two countries should deepen political mutual trust, enhance strategic coordination and advance bilateral ties toward a more mature and resilient future.

    Xi said that the two countries should uphold mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, and be good partners who help each other prosper.

    From overcoming hardships to deliver urgently needed supplies to each other during World War II, to the current record-breaking bilateral trade volumes, the “high-speed train” of China-Russia mutually beneficial cooperation has taken an extraordinary journey through mountains and valleys, overcoming challenges and obstacles, he said.

    China and Russia should continue to deepen practical cooperation in various fields and solidify the material foundation for their comprehensive strategic coordination, bring more benefits to the people of both countries and give stronger momentum to global development, he said.

    Xi noted that the two countries should uphold fairness and justice and defend the international order. China and Russia, as main theaters of Asia and Europe in WWII, have made decisive contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and laid a solid foundation for the establishment of the post-war international order, he said.

    As forces for stability, progress, and development in the international community, China and Russia should continue to firmly stand together, resolutely safeguard the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law, and continuously promote an equal and orderly multipolar world, said Xi.

    China and Russia must uphold solidarity and mutual assistance and act as leading forces in global governance, Xi noted, stressing that the future of the world should be decided by all countries together, and the fruits of global development should be shared by all.

    As major countries and key emerging market economies, China and Russia both shoulder the lofty mission of advancing global governance toward greater equity and justice, and the two sides should enhance coordination within multilateral platforms such as the UN, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, remain committed to true multilateralism, guide global governance in the right direction, and promote a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, he said.

    Xi emphasized that in the face of a turbulent and complex international situation, China and Russia must firmly uphold the spirit of lasting bilateral good-neighborliness and friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination and mutually beneficial cooperation.

    The two countries should stand together to overcome challenges, comprehensively elevate the level, scope and resilience of China-Russia relations, inject greater stability into world peace and security, and provide stronger momentum for global development and prosperity, said Xi.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin jointly meet the press after their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, May 8, 2025. Xi held talks here on Thursday with Putin. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

  • Xi calls on China, Russia to maintain strategic resolve, coordination

    Xi made the remarks during a chat over tea with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the president’s office of the Kremlin in Moscow.

    As long as China and Russia maintain strategic resolve and coordination, no force can stop the two countries from achieving their respective development and revitalization, no force can shake the strong foundation of long-standing friendship between the two peoples, and no force can hold back the prevailing trend toward a multipolar world and economic globalization, said Xi.

    Xi also voiced readiness to stay in close communication with Putin to chart the course for China-Russia relations and make contributions to advancing global governance.

    For his part, Putin said that Russia and China have always stood together in solidarity and supported each other, forging an unbreakable friendship.

    The Russian president said he is willing to maintain close strategic communication with Xi, provide strategic guidance for the development of bilateral relations, jointly respond to the challenges of a complex international landscape, deepen comprehensive strategic coordination, safeguard common interests of the two countries and promote the development of a more equitable, democratic and multipolar world.

    The two heads of state exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and other issues. Xi said that China advocates for and remains committed to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security at the global level, and believes it is important to take seriously the legitimate security concerns of all countries and eliminate the root causes of the Ukraine crisis.

    China welcomes all efforts conducive to peace and looks forward to reaching a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement on the Ukraine crisis that is accepted by all relevant parties through dialogue, Xi noted.

    Putin highly commended China’s objective and impartial position on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, saying that Russia is ready to engage in peace talks without preconditions and hopes to reach a fair and lasting peace agreement.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have a chat over tea at the president's office of the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, May 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

  • Xi says China, Russia to shoulder special responsibility as major countries

    Xi made the remarks while holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his state visit to Russia. The two leaders exchanged in-depth views on China-Russia relations and major international and regional issues, reaching consensus on unwaveringly deepening strategic coordination and promoting the stable, healthy and high-level development of China-Russia relations.

    The two leaders also called for promoting the correct historical perspective on World War II, maintaining the authority and status of the United Nations, and safeguarding international justice and fairness.

    Following a grand welcoming ceremony for Xi, the two leaders held small-group and large-group talks successively.

    In recent years, China-Russia ties have enjoyed stable, healthy and high-level development thanks to joint efforts from both sides, Xi said, hailing long-term good-neighborly friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation as distinct features of bilateral ties.

    The political mutual trust between the two countries has grown ever deeper, the bond of practical cooperation ever stronger, while people-to-people exchanges and local interactions have flourished with increasing vitality, Xi said, noting that China-Russia relations have grown more confident, stable and resilient in the new era.

    Xi said that history and reality have fully proved that continuing to develop and deepen China-Russia relations is integral to carrying forward the friendship between the two peoples from generation to generation, adding that it is an inevitable choice for both sides to achieve mutual success and promote their own development and revitalization.

    It is also the call of the times for safeguarding international fairness and justice and promoting the reform of the global governance system, Xi said.

    Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victories of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War and the World Anti-Fascist War, Xi said that 80 years ago, peoples of China and Russia made tremendous sacrifices and won great victories, making remarkable historic contributions to maintaining world peace and the cause of human progress.

    China will work with Russia to take a clear stand to jointly promote the correct historical perspective on World War II, safeguard the authority and status of the United Nations, firmly defend the victory of World War II, resolutely defend the rights and interests of China, Russia and the vast number of developing countries, and promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, Xi said.

    The two heads of state also received briefings from respective department leaders of the two countries regarding bilateral cooperation across various sectors.

    Xi pointed out that China and Russia should stick to the general course of cooperation and fend off external disruptions, so as to solidify the foundation for stable cooperation and ensure stronger momentum for progress.

    The two countries should tap into the resource endowments of both countries and complementary advantages of their industrial systems, and expand high-quality and mutually beneficial cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, energy, agriculture, aerospace and artificial intelligence, Xi said.

    The two countries should take the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union as a platform to build a high-standard connectivity pattern, he said, adding that the two countries should fully unleash the potential of the China-Russia Years of Culture, strengthen cooperation in education, film, tourism, sports and local areas, and promote deep-rooted people-to-people connectivity.

    The two countries should closely coordinate and cooperate on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, unite the Global South, uphold true multilateralism, and steer the right direction of global governance reform, Xi added.

    Xi emphasized that China is comprehensively advancing the building of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization, and that China possesses both the resolve and confidence to overcome all risks and challenges.

    No matter how the external environment changes, China will firmly handle its own affairs well, Xi said, adding that China stands ready to work with Russia to shoulder the special responsibilities bestowed by the times, safeguard the global multilateral trading system and keep the industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded, and make greater contributions to promoting the development and rejuvenation of the two countries and upholding international fairness and justice.

    For his part, Putin warmly welcomed Xi’s state visit to Russia and his attendance at the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War. Putin noted the visit’s great significance, as it not only injected strong momentum into the development of Russia-China relations but also helped safeguard the outcomes of the victory of the World War II.

    Putin said that the Russia-China relations are based on mutual equality and respect, not targeting any third party and not affected by any temporary incidents.

    Unswervingly promoting the development of Russia-China relations and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation are Russia’s strategic choices, Putin said, adding that the Russian side firmly adheres to the one-China principle and has always supported China’s position on the Taiwan question.

    Russia is ready to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, strengthen practical cooperation in such fields as trade, investment, energy, agriculture, science and technology, deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges in education, culture, youth, tourism and other areas, and expand the connotations of the Far East region cooperation.

    Imposing high tariffs is senseless and illegal, and will only backfire, Putin said, adding that the two sides should enhance coordination and cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, support the process toward a multipolar world, jointly oppose unilateralism, reject the abuse of sanctions, resist bloc confrontation, and safeguard the common interests of the international community.

    Noting that both Russia and China made great sacrifices in the World Anti-Fascist War, Putin said that under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people fought bravely and achieved a great victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, making significant contributions to the victory of World War II.

    During the arduous years of war, Russia and China supported each other and forged a profound friendship, laying a solid foundation for the development of bilateral relations, Putin said, adding that both sides should safeguard the authority of the United Nations and international law, preserve the correct historical narrative on World War II, uphold international fairness and justice, and work together to create a brighter future for both countries and the world.

    After the talks, the two heads of state jointly signed a joint statement on further deepening the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era. The two leaders jointly witnessed the exchange of over 20 bilateral cooperation documents, covering areas including global strategic stability, safeguarding the authority of international law, biosecurity, investment protection, digital economy, quarantine and film cooperation.

    The two heads of state instructed the relevant departments of both countries to strengthen communication and coordination in accordance with the consensus reached by both sides, promote practical cooperation and achieve more concrete results.

    The two heads of state also jointly met the press.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, May 8, 2025. Xi held talks here on Thursday with Putin. Putin held a welcome ceremony for Xi at the St. George's Hall. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

  • UN hopes China-U.S. talks to move towards more normalized trade relationship

    “We just hope that these talks will help the United States and China to move towards a more normalized relationship regarding their trade relations. As the secretary general made clear, there can be no winners in a trade war,” Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said at a daily briefing.

    The UN chief “is particularly worried about the situation in terms of how a global war could affect developing countries. So any effort to avoid that would be welcome,” Haq added.

    He Lifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, will visit Switzerland from May 9 to 12. During his visit to Switzerland, He, as the Chinese lead person for China-U.S. economic and trade affairs, will have a meeting with the U.S. lead person Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced on Wednesday.

  • Bugesera International Airport construction takes shape

    Construction of the airport began in 2017, spearheaded by the Government of Rwanda.

    A few years later, Qatar Airways joined the venture, bringing in additional investment and expertise that led to an expansion of the original design.

    Today, the project stands as one of Rwanda’s most strategic infrastructure investments, aligned with its broader National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) to boost economic growth and global connectivity.

    According to Jules Ndenga, CEO of Rwanda Aviation Travel and Logistics, foundational work such as the runway, internal roads, and water drainage systems was completed by the end of 2024. The focus has now shifted to constructing the airport’s main buildings.

    “We’ve moved into the vertical phase,” he explained. “The groundwork is finished—the runways, roadways and drainage systems are done. What remains is building upward, and we’re currently laying the foundations.”

    “The final phase, which will complete the airport, began nearly a year ago. We are currently at the stage of excavating the building’s foundation,” he added.

    The artistic impression of Bugesera International Airport.

    Although different parts of the project fall under separate contracts, overall construction progress is being tracked as a whole.

    When all the completed work is taken together, the project stands at roughly a quarter of completion.

    “The combined works so far account for about 25 to 30 percent of the entire project,” Ndenga said.

    The airport is being built by a joint venture of three companies: Mota-Engil from Portugal, which initiated the first phase of construction; UCC Holding from Qatar; and CCC (Consolidated Contractors Company) from Greece.

    Together, they formed a unified entity called UMC, which signed the official contract with the Government of Rwanda.

    According to Ndenga, this setup ensures streamlined coordination. However, these companies are free to subcontract certain works to local firms, which may supply concrete or handle internal road construction.

    Despite the solid progress, Ndenga acknowledged that certain external challenges could impact the timeline.

    Global economic instability, rising construction costs, and supply chain disruptions remain real concerns.

    He pointed to the post-COVID period as an example, when global demand for goods surged and transportation logistics became severely strained.

    Unpredictable weather is another factor. Rwanda typically schedules major construction during the dry season, but unexpected rainfall can delay critical phases of work.

    “You might plan to expedite construction during the dry season, only to be caught off-guard by sudden rain. These are the kinds of challenges that can’t always be controlled,” he noted. “Fortunately, on the technical side, Rwanda has strong experience in construction.”

    The project has also begun delivering on its promise of job creation. The ground work employed around 2,000 workers, and the vertical phase is expected to add another 4,000, bringing the total to over 6,000 jobs.

    While many of these are formal, contracted positions, the ripple effects are being felt more broadly.

    Small businesses and service providers in nearby areas like Nyabagendwa and Nyamata are seeing increased demand as workers spend their wages locally—eating at restaurants, shopping, and using local services.

    “Job creation includes both direct and indirect employment,” said Ndenga. “Even if we can show you contracts for 2,000 workers, more locals benefit from the economic activity this project generates.”

    Looking ahead, the first phase of Bugesera International Airport will have the capacity to handle 7 million passengers per year once completed in 2027.

    The second phase, expected by 2032, will expand that capacity to 14 million passengers annually. The airport is set to become a key hub for the region, with Qatar Airways holding a 60% stake in the infrastructure.

    The foundational work such as the runway, internal roads, and water drainage systems was completed by the end of 2024.Construction of the airport began in 2017, spearheaded by the Government of Rwanda.

  • Amb. Bizimana presents credentials to represent Rwanda in Senegal

    Following the formal presentation of the credentials, Amb. Bizimana conveyed a message from Rwandan President Paul Kagame and reaffirmed Rwanda’s firm commitment to strengthening the longstanding diplomatic relations between both countries.

    He highlighted the growing collaboration between the two nations across various sectors, with particular emphasis on enhancing economic ties through increased trade, investment, and business partnerships, especially within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    President Diomaye Faye also expressed his appreciation for the strong and friendly relations between the two countries.

    He warmly welcomed Amb. Bizimana, wished him success in his mission, and assured him of the full support of the Senegalese government during his tenure.

    President Faye also requested the Ambassador to convey his cordial greetings and best wishes to President Kagame.

    Rwanda opened its embassy in Senegal in May 2011. The diplomatic mission also oversees the country’s interests in Cabo Verde, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Mali.

    Ambassador Festus Bizimana is Rwanda’s fourth envoy to Senegal, following in the footsteps of Gerard Ntwari, Mathias Harebamungu, and Jean Pierre Karabaranga.

    President Diomaye Faye also expressed his appreciation for the strong and friendly relations between the two countries.The ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace in Dakar, the capital city.Amb. Bizimana has presented credentials to represent Rwanda in Senegal.Following the formal presentation of the credentials, Amb. Bizimana conveyed a message from Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

  • UN, AU urge warring parties in South Sudan to embrace dialogue

    The AU Mission in South Sudan, the UN Mission in South Sudan, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, an East African bloc, and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, which monitors peace implementation, expressed concern about the rapid deterioration of the political and security situation across South Sudan.

    “Ongoing air and ground attacks are leading to an alarming loss of life, property and civilian displacement, even as ethnically polarizing rhetoric and hate speech are rising. The targeting of humanitarian facilities is also unacceptable and must stop,” they said in a joint statement issued in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

    The organizations said these escalations are fast eroding the confidence of communities and peace partners in the sincerity of the promise made by the parties not to return this country to war, and urged the leadership to recommit to a transparent, consensus-driven, and collaborative approach for lasting peace.

    “They must reinvigorate visibly stalled peace implementation by addressing all grievances through an inclusive political dialogue,” they said.

    The missions said inclusive political dialogue can be achieved through the release of First Vice President Riek Machar and other opposition officials and members currently under detention, as well as by creating an enabling environment to reconvene and resource inclusive institutions and mechanisms provided for under the peace deal.

    This photo shows the aerial view of Juba, the capital city of South Sudan. UN and AU have urged warring parties in South Sudan to embrace dialogue

  • American Robert Prevost becomes new Catholic Pope  

    His selection was signaled by white smoke that billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, confirming the selection of a new Pope to lead the Roman Catholic Church.

    This traditional signal indicates a successful vote, where a candidate secured the required two-thirds majority—out of the 133 voting cardinals—during the conclave.

    Joyful cheers erupted from the crowds filling St. Peter’s Square as the white smoke, a sign of a successful vote, appeared.

    The identity of the new Pope is revealed in the traditional ceremony from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, when a senior cardinal announces “Habemus papam!”—”We have a pope!”

    The new Pope also made his first public appearance on the balcony, and delivered his blessing to the faithful below.

    Pope Robert Francis Prevost, the successsor of Pope Francis, was born on 14 September 1955 in Chicago (Illinois, United States).

    He becomes the first American Pontiff.

    Background

    In 1977 Robert Francis Prevost entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) in the province of Our Lady of Good Counsel, in Saint Louis.

    On 29 August 1981 he gave his solemn vows. He studied at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago, receiving a diploma in theology.

    At the age of 27 he was sent by the Order to Rome to study canon law at the Pontifical Saint Thomas Aquinas University (Angelicum).

    He received priestly ordination on 19 June 1982. He received his licentiate in 1984, and was then sent to work in the mission of Chulucanas, in Piura, Peru (1985-1986).

    In 1987 he was awarded a doctorate with the thesis: “The role of the local prior in the Order of Saint Augustine”.

    In the same year he was elected director of vocations and director of the missions of the Augustinian province of “Mother of Good Counsel” of Olympia Fields, Illinois, United States of America.

    In 1988 he was sent to the mission of Trujillo as director of the joint formation project for Augustinian aspirants in the Vicariates of Chulucanas, Iquitos and Apurímac.

    There he served as community prior (1988-1992), director of formation (1988-1998) and teacher of the professed (1992-1998).

    In the archdiocese of Trujillo he was judicial vicar (1989-1998), and professor of canon, patristic and moral law in the “San Carlos e San Marcelo” Major Seminary.

    In 1999 he was elected provincial prior of the “Mother of Good Counsel” province, Chicago.

    After two and a half years, the ordinary general Chapter elected him prior general, a ministry again entrusted to him in the 2007 ordinary general Chapter.

    In October 2013 he returned to his province (Chicago) to serve as teacher of the professed and provincial vicar, roles he held 3 November 2014, when Pope Francis appointed him apostolic administrator of the diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, elevating him to the dignity of bishop and assigning him the titular diocese of Sufar.

    On 7 November he took canonical possession of the diocese in the presence of the apostolic nuncio James Patrick Green; he was ordained a bishop on 12 December, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in the cathedral of his diocese.

    He served as bishop of Chiclayo from 26 November 2015. In March 2018 he became second vice president of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference.

    Pope Francis appointed him a member of the Congregation for the Clergy in 2019, and member of the Congregation for Bishops in 2020.

    On 15 April 2020, the Pope appointed him apostolic administrator of the diocese of Callao.

    On 30 January 2023 Pope Francis appointed Cardinal Prevost as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and presidet of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

    He was created and proclaimed Cardinal by Pope Francis in the Consistory of 30 September 2023, of the Deaconry of Santa Monica

    American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been selected as the new Catholic Church’s Pope and has chosen the papal name of Leon XIV.White smoke has emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney, confirming the selection of a new Pope to lead the Roman Catholic Church.