Xi made the remarks when meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana.
He noted that President Putin paid a successful state visit to China this May, saying that the two sides are working together to make plans and arrangements for the future development of bilateral relations at the important historical juncture of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Russia.
Facing an international situation fraught with turbulence and changes, the two countries should keep upholding the original aspiration of lasting friendship, and sticking to the determination of benefiting the people, Xi said.
He urged China and Russia to continuously conserve the unique value in China-Russia relations, and explore the internal driving force of bilateral cooperation, saying that the two countries should also make new efforts to safeguard their legitimate rights and interests and safeguard the basic norms governing international relations.
China supports Russia in fulfilling its responsibilities as BRICS chair, uniting the “Global South,” preventing a “new Cold War” and opposing illegal unilateral sanctions and hegemonism, he said.
Noting that the SCO Astana summit will be held on Thursday, Xi said the Chinese side looks forward to working with Russia and other member states to promote the steady and long-term development of the SCO and build an even closer SCO community with a shared future.
China and Russia, Xi said, should continue to strengthen comprehensive strategic coordination, oppose external interference and jointly safeguard regional tranquility and stability.
For his part, Putin thanked Xi for warmly receiving him on his state visit to China in May, recalling that they celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Russia and China and made plans for the future development of Russia-China relations.
At present, Russia-China relations are at the highest level in history, Putin said, adding that the two sides respect each other, and treat each other with equality and mutual benefit.
He also said that Russia-China relations feature non-alignment and do not target at any third party, which conforms to the well-being of the two peoples.
Russia, he said, supports China in safeguarding its core interests and legitimate rights and interests, and opposes external interference in China’s internal affairs and the South China Sea issue.
Noting that China will soon take over the rotating presidency of the SCO, he said Russia will fully support China’s work and work with other member states to continuously enhance the international influence of the organization, safeguard regional peace and security, and promote the development of the international system in a more just and equitable direction.
As the rotating chair of BRICS this year, Russia looks forward to strengthening communication and coordination with China on BRICS cooperation, he added.
The two heads of state also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.
Xi stressed that China always stands on the right side of history, adheres to promoting peace talks, and is willing to continue to make positive efforts for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and other regional hotspot issues.
During a televised address from State House in Nairobi on Friday, July 5, 2024, President Ruto directed the Attorney General to draft a law to effect the ban on the fundraising tradition which is believed to have metamorphosed into a forum for the raw display of ill-gotten wealth.
“No state official or public servant shall participate in public contributions or Harambees going forward,” Ruto said.
“The Attorney General is hereby directed to prepare and submit legislation to this effect and develop a mechanism for structured and transparent contributions for public, charitable, and philanthropic purposes. This measure will be followed by changes in government that I will be announcing shortly,” he added.
The Head of State also announced Ksh177 billion budget cuts to seal the budget hole left after the [withdrawal of the controversial Finance Bill 2024->https://en.igihe.com/spip.php?page=mv2_article&id_article=50901].
The Finance Bill 2024 sought to raise Ksh 346 billion in additional taxes for the government. However, the proposed law sparked protests from members of the public, particularly young Kenyans under the pseudonym “Gen Z”, who took to the streets to demand the rejection of what they termed as “punitive taxes”.
Ruto said the Ksh169 billion budget deficit would be raised through additional borrowing.
In the wake of the new economic realities and the need to cut government expenditure, President Ruto announced that 47 state corporations would be dissolved and merged with parent ministries.
He also announced that the number of executive advisors would be slashed by 50% and that funding would be cut for the operations of the Office of the First Lady, the Spouse of the Deputy President, and the Prime Cabinet Secretary.
Similarly, President Ruto halted the purchase of new government motor vehicles for 12 months, providing an exception only to security agencies.
He also announced that all public servants who have reached the retirement age of 60 must proceed to retirement immediately and emphasized the suspension of all non-essential travel by state and public officers.
The context in which leadership operates contributes to governance results which get enjoyed or endured by the people, depending on whether they are good or bad.
Leaders may genuinely believe that they are making the right decisions or acting in the best interest of their people, but their actions may also be perceived as ineffective, harmful, or self-serving by others.
For example, a leader who was effective in one aspect (e.g. startup phase) may struggle when the organization grows larger or faces new challenges.
Different situations may require different leadership styles and skills however, organizational culture stands out as a significant player in shaping leadership behaviors and outcomes.
By examining various factors, we can begin to demystify why bad leadership occurs, how it manifests, and what can be done to address or prevent it.
This understanding is crucial for fostering better leadership practices and creating healthier work environments.
In Rwandan history, a toxic or dysfunctional culture enabled bad leadership to thrive. Incompetence, lack of empathy, poor decision-making skills, and ethical lapses are what characterized the country for the past half a century.
Demystifying the paradox of bad leadership involves a willingness to learn from mistakes and feedback. Effective leaders continually seek to improve themselves and their leadership practices.
To appreciate and recognize that leadership is an ongoing process of growth and development, one needs not to look beyond the common Rwandan adage that “if you don’t talk to your father, you may never know what your grandfather said.”
To appreciate and recognize that leadership is an ongoing process of growth and development, one need not look beyond the common Rwandan adage: “If you don’t talk to your father, you may never know what your grandfather said”.
This can never be more true especially if you engage and pick insights from legendary politician and civil servant Mr. Boniface Rucagu.
Born in Nemba Sector, Burera district, the 76-year-old started engaging in politics at a very young age and lived through different regimes until now when he is still an active member of the country’s geopolitical set-up.
“I started attending meetings and political gatherings under the Rwandese National Union (UNAR) when I was barely 11 years old,” he recalls.
UNAR was a conservative Rwandan political party founded on 3 September 1959 by François Rukeba, and strongly supported by King Kigeri V.
At the time, Rwanda was still under Belgian administration, and UNAR was the leading monarchist party. It called for immediate independence under a hereditary constitutional monarchy.
Thereafter, Rucagu joined the Kayibanda administration shortly after independence. He served as Provincial Executive Secretary of Northern Province (formerly Ruhengeri Prefecture) when Kayibanda’s government was toppled by Juvenal Habyarimana.
Rucagu went on to become a Member of Parliament under Habyarimana’s administration which is widely believed to have orchestrated and masterminded the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Most leaders at the time were actively engaged in designing, planning and execution of the Genocide with harsh punishments imposed on those who hesitated or attempted to oppose the government’s narrative of getting rid of the “unwanted and dangerous” Tutsi.
Rucagu remembers that he was vehemently opposed to this narrative and ended up receiving backlash from his own government through media campaigns aimed at portraying him as an enemy and antagonist.
Notably in 1993, Kangura, a state-owned newspaper published in its edition number 46/93, a letter purported to have been authored by Rucagu in support of the ongoing preparations on how to execute the Genocide. He refuted the claims in a response letter dated July 21, 1993.
In his response, he said, “Dear Kangura readers, you may have seen a letter is full of insults, hate, discrimination, immoral thoughts and unethical opinions. I am here to inform everyone that I don’t agree with that document and it was not authored by me.”
“That document was written by an ill-intent person with malicious intentions are meant more to hurt than to help. It is intended to damage my personal reputation.”
He wondered how a person who was brought up with moral values, mingled with neighbours and friends, acquired education and became a publically elected leader could display such ill will, malignity and malevolence.
“The morals I have acquired for over 40 years cannot just vanish in a single day. I have never been party to racial segregation or any other kind of discrimination. I have ultimately decided to sue the newspaper in courts of law for the truth to come to light,” reads the letter in part.
Despite being part of the then government, Rucagu never minced words when it came to clarifying and engaging in what he believed was right.
At one time he openly showed and canvased support for the Rwandan Patriotic Army even when plans were underway to overthrow the Genocidal regime which he served.
On July 15, 1993, Rucagu told the electorate of Cummune Butaro (currently Burera district) where he hails, that Inkotanyi had good intentions for the country and would not hesitate to support them if need arose.
Fast forward, today at the Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum, Rucagu is responsible for advising the government on national topical issues, national political orientation and challenges pertaining to good governance, justice, economy and social welfare.
In the aftermath of the Genocide against the Tutsi, efforts were put in place to pacify the country while trying to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Soon after 1994, the International Human Rights Commission instituted an investigation in Ruhengeri and Gisenyi to establish the magnitude of the Genocide and Rucagu was included as a possible perpetrator but he responded to them through writing proving his innocence.
The courage and unity that Rucagu has exhibited amid widespread diversity is a testament to the good things one can achieve without necessarily being bad to others.
Recently, Dr Bizimana Jean Damascene, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement took a swipe at those who accused Rucagu of Genocide without fully understanding his story in the context of Rwandan history.
“Not everyone who was in MRND as a Member of Parliament was part of the Genocide. I want to state it clearly that the truth he emphasizes in all his opinions is what has characterized him all his life,” Dr Bizimana said in a YouTube video that has since gone viral.
And whether we believe in earthly justice or heavenly rewards or penalties, in whatever you do, always remember that time is the most important factor in life and the truth will always set you free.
Keir Starmer is expected to be formally appointed as Prime Minister. Rishi Sunak has conceded defeat.
“I am sorry. I take responsibility for the loss,” Sunak said in a televised address to his supporters in Richmond and Northern Allerton.
This marks the end of a long Conservative dominance that began in 2010 under David Cameron and continued through the leadership of Theresa May, Boris Johnson, and Rishi Sunak.
Sunak’s defeat, however, didn’t come as a surprise, according to sources. It was the culmination of widespread public dissatisfaction over the handling of key issues and the renewed appeal of Labour’s platform under Starmer’s leadership.
Out of the 650 seats declared by press time, Starmer’s opposition party leads with 412 seats against the Conservatives’ 120. The Liberal Democrats come in a distant third position with 71 seats.
As the Tories come to terms with their devastating defeat, let’s dig deeper into several factors that could have contributed to the historic loss.
{{Brexit, inflation & Covid-19
}}
Firstly, the Conservative Party has been in a compromising situation since Johnson was forced to step down in September 2022.
Johnson, who assumed office in July 2019, faced criticism that his economic policies were inadequate or poorly managed, especially in response to challenges such as Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising inflation.
Britain’s exit from the European Union contributed to economic uncertainty, with several quarters raising concerns about its potential negative effects on businesses, investment, and jobs.
Some critics argue that prior to this, the government did not adequately prepare for the potential economic and social impacts such as fears about disruptions to trade, supply chains, and the economy at large.
Johnson’s ‘Partygate’ scandal, involving gatherings of government and Conservative Party staff during the COVID-19 pandemic amid restrictions on gatherings, also eroded public trust in the Conservatives.
Johnson’s departure, however, did little to redeem the ruling party, as his successor, Truss, resigned just six weeks into her tenure. Truss’ short-lived premiership has been linked to her failure to address Britons’ concerns about inflation, despite campaigning on a platform promising “growth”.
The UK inflation rate was 2% percent in May 2024, the lowest since April 2021. Between September 2022 and March 2023, the UK experienced seven months of double-digit inflation, which peaked at 11.1 percent in October 2022.
Sunak’s efforts to stabilize the party after the leadership turmoil experienced during Boris Johnson’s and Liz Truss’s tenures, and to revive the economy, did not sufficiently restore voter confidence.
{{Mismanagement of public services
}}
The Conservatives are widely perceived to have mismanaged public services, including the National Health Service, education, and other essential services.
According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), from June 2020, the elective waiting list, which comprises patients waiting to receive non-urgent treatment or surgery, started rising rapidly, increasing by an average of 80,000 per month up to December 2023.
{{Rise of Reform UK
}}
The resurgence of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party split the right-wing vote, drawing support away from the Conservatives. This further weakened their electoral base and allowed Labour to gain ground in constituencies that traditionally belonged to Conservatives.
Farage, the driving force behind Britain’s Brexit movement, secured a parliamentary seat in Britain on his eighth attempt, winning 46.2% of the vote in the heavily pro-Brexit Clacton.
{{Labour’s Renewed Appeal
}}
Under Starmer’s leadership, the Labour Party repositioned itself as a more moderate and less controversial option compared to the Conservatives. This strategic shift helped Labour appeal to voters who were critical of the party’s more radical stance during Jeremy Corbyn’s tenure. Corbyn led the Labour Party from 2015 to 2020.
Xi noted that the two sides should continue supporting each other in a bid to bring more benefits to the two peoples.
China and Azerbaijan are good friends with sincerity and mutual trust, as well as good partners with equality and mutual benefit, and bilateral relations have been developing healthily and steadily, with fruitful cooperation and richer strategic connotations, he said.
China firmly supports Azerbaijan in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, Xi stressed.
The two sides should promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, deepen cooperation in such fields as trade, investment, oil and gas, and photovoltaics, strengthen connectivity, advance the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, and ensure the healthy and stable operation of China-Europe freight trains, he said.
The two sides should also carry out more exchanges in such areas as education, culture and tourism, as well as between the youths of the two nations and at the sub-national level, and consolidate the public foundation of China-Azerbaijan friendship, he said.
China supports Azerbaijan in hosting the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Xi said.
China stands ready to work with Azerbaijan to advocate an equal and orderly world multipolarity, and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and promote world peace, stability and development, he said.
For his part, Aliyev said that Azerbaijan and China are good partners.
The two countries have maintained close exchanges at various departments and levels, witnessed increasing bilateral trade volume, and firmly supported each other in safeguarding independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity in international organizations, he said.
The two sides jointly announced the establishment of the Azerbaijan-China strategic partnership in a joint statement, which is of great significance to the development of bilateral relations, he said.
Azerbaijan firmly abides by the one-China principle and firmly supports China’s great cause of national reunification, which is the trend of history and no force can stop it, he said.
Azerbaijan is willing to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China, tap the potential, enhance cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, investment, new energy and culture within the framework of Belt and Road cooperation, closely collaborate within the SCO and other frameworks, oppose external interference and safeguard regional security and stability, said Aliyev.
The two sides issued the joint statement on establishing the strategic partnership.
Relevant departments of the two sides signed cooperation documents in such areas as Belt and Road cooperation and onnectivity.
Xi made the remarks in his meeting with Tokayev at the presidential palace in Astana.
In their small-group talks, he noted that last year Tokayev and him met twice in Xi’an and Beijing respectively, and made new arrangements and plans for the development of China-Kazakhstan relations, leading the “golden 30 years” of rapid development of China-Kazakhstan relations.
The Chinese side has always viewed its relations with Kazakhstan from a strategic and long-term perspective, and regards Kazakhstan as a priority in China’s neighborhood diplomacy and an important partner for cooperation in Central Asia.
Xi said China’s will and determination to maintain and grow bilateral relations stand firm, and will not be changed due to any single incident or transformations in the international situation.
China will always be a good neighbor and partner Kazakhstan can rely on and trust, he added.
The Chinese side, Xi also said, will continue to strengthen cooperation with Kazakhstan in traditional energy such as natural gas, expand new energy cooperation including photovoltaic and wind power, encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in Kazakhstan, and help Kazakhstan convert its resource advantages into development capabilities to achieve green, low-carbon and sustainable development.
Tokayev said Xi’s state visit to Kazakhstan is of historic significance to the development of Kazakhstan-China relations, hailing China as a friendly neighbor, close friend and important strategic partner of his country.
Based on solid good-neighborly friendship and firm mutual support, Kazakhstan-China relations have shown an unprecedented sound momentum of development, he said, noting that major achievements have been made in cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, minerals and other fields, which have benefited the two peoples and set a good example for state-to-state relations.
Kazakhstan is ready to work with China to further tap the potential of bilateral cooperation in energy, minerals, new energy and connectivity and push bilateral relations to a new height, he said.
The Kazakh side appreciates China’s firm support for Kazakhstan’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and will firmly abide by the one-China principle, resolutely fight against the “three forces” and safeguard the common security of the two countries, Tokayev added.
In their big-group talks, Xi said the friendly relations between China and Kazakhstan are rooted in the millennia-old ancient Silk Road, reinforced by 32 years of cooperation after the establishment of diplomatic relations, and have reached the high level of a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.
Xi reiterated that no matter how the international situation changes, China will remain steadfast in its commitment to the China-Kazakhstan friendship, in its resolve to advance cooperation across the board, in its determination to continue mutual support on issues concerning each other’s core interests, and in its confidence in both countries realizing their development goals.
China and Kazakhstan are both at a critical stage of development and revitalization, Xi said, calling on the two sides to enhance the alignment of their development strategies and exchanges of governance experience, and implement more mutually beneficial cooperation projects to boost the development of their respective countries.
The Chinese side is ready to work with Kazakhstan on boosting economic and trade cooperation, and set a new goal of doubling two-way trade at an early date, he said.
He pledged that China will further expand imports of high-quality Kazakh goods and create new growth drivers for cooperation in e-commerce and digital economy, calling on the two sides to increase the scale of cooperation in production capacity investment, tap the potential of cooperation in scientific and technological innovation, and expand cooperation in electric vehicles, new energy, cross-border e-commerce and satellite communications.
China is willing to work with Kazakhstan to actively promote the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and build a multi-dimensional connectivity paradigm, Xi said.
He also said that China supports the holding of China tourism year in Kazakhstan in 2025, and has decided to open a second Luban Workshop in the Central Asian country.
Noting that at the airport after arrival, he was moved to hear a group of Kazakh teenagers sing “Ode to the Motherland” in standard and fluent Chinese, Xi said young people are the inheritors of China-Kazakhstan friendship from generation to generation.
He urged the two countries to give full play to the role of the culture centers and the Kazakhstan Branch of Beijing Language and Culture University to strengthen cultural exchanges, enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples, especially the young generation, and strengthen public support for all-round cooperation between the two countries.
China, Xi noted, will assume the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) following Kazakhstan, saying that the Chinese side stands ready to jointly build an even closer SCO community with a shared future with the SCO member states including Kazakhstan.
Xi noted that China supports Kazakhstan in hosting the second China-Central Asia Summit next year and is ready to work with relevant parties including Kazakhstan to make the China-Central Asia mechanism better and stronger, and to promote the China-Central Asia cooperation to achieve more new results.
China is willing to work closely with Kazakhstan within the framework of the United Nations and other multilateral frameworks, practice genuine multilateralism and safeguard the common interests of the two countries and other developing countries, Xi added.
For Tokayev, he said Xi’s visit to Kazakhstan once again proves that both sides attach great importance to and strongly hope for further enhancement of the permanent comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
Kazakhstan and China, he said, enjoy a solid friendship spanning thousands of years and fruitful cooperation in various fields, adding that in recent years in particular, bilateral ties have entered a new “golden era,” with smooth progress in major cooperation projects and positive results in agriculture, green energy, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, contributing to the well-being of the two peoples.
Tokayev said his country is a reliable friend and partner of China, adding that it is an unswerving strategic priority for Kazakhstan to deepen friendly and strategic cooperation with China.
Speaking highly of China’s diplomatic concept of peace, a series of global initiatives put forward by Xi and China’s important contribution to promoting world peace and development, Tokayev said the Kazakh side is willing to work with China to promote the building of a Kazakhstan-China community with a shared future as well as a community with a shared future for mankind.
Tokayev stressed that Kazakhstan looks forward to working with China to earnestly implement the important outcomes of Xi’s visit, continuing to jointly promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, making every effort to achieve the goal of doubling bilateral trade, strengthening cooperation in agriculture, economy and trade, new energy, cross-border e-commerce and electric vehicles, and advancing the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.
Kazakhstan welcomes the establishment of culture centers in their respective country and Luban Workshop, said Tokayev said. He called for ensuring the China tourism year in 2025 a success, so as to keep closer bilateral sub-national cooperation as well as people-to-people exchanges in education, culture and other fields.
Kazakhstan will continue to actively participate in building the China-Central Asia mechanism, and closely coordinate with China within multilateral frameworks such as the SCO and the United Nations, Tokayev added.
Following the talks, the two heads of state signed the joint statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Kazakhstan, and witnessed the exchange of dozens of bilateral cooperation documents in the fields of economy and trade, connectivity, aviation and aerospace, education and media.
Prior to their meeting, Kazakh fighter jets painted the sky with colored smoke trails to welcome the Chinese president. A group of six jets, while flying over the presidential palace, left behind them colored smoke trails of red and yellow, colors of the Chinese national flag.
Kanyabayonga, located in the Lubero territory of North Kivu province, was seized on the afternoon of June 28, 2024, following nearly a month of fighting between M23 fighters and the Congolese army on its outskirts.
After capturing Kanyabayonga, M23 fighters drove the Congolese army out of their positions in Kirumba, forcing them to retreat towards Butembo, considered the second wealthiest city in North Kivu after Goma.
On the evening of June 29, President Tshisekedi held an urgent military meeting to discuss how the government could reclaim Kanyabayonga and other areas taken by M23. Following the meeting, the President assured the public that he would take all necessary measures to remove these fighters from the occupied areas.
Prince Epenge, the spokesperson for LAMUKA, stated that Tshisekedi must clarify his plans to reclaim the territories controlled by M23 and to prevent the group from capturing additional areas.
Epenge said, “The LAMUKA coalition demands Mr. Tshisekedi provide an explanation to inform us about what he is doing in the east and what he plans to do to ensure that such incidents do not recur.”
Epenge further mentioned that the DRC government has a responsibility to ensure the safety of its citizens so they can engage in livelihood and development activities without being hindered by armed groups, including the ADF from Uganda and the FDLR opposing the Rwandan government.
“The people want to go to their fields, but they need assurance that they won’t be beheaded or killed by the ADF and FDLR,” he stated.
Kanyabayonga is a crucial area as it serves as a commercial hub in North Kivu province. It joins other regions captured by M23, including the city of Bunagana and the Rubaya area, which is rich in Coltan, a valuable mineral.
Addressing RPF Inkotanyi supporters at Mbonwa Site in Karongi District, the incumbent President said that Rwandans should seize their opportunities and participate in the nation’s development.
He cited Lake Kivu and the beautiful mountains in Karongi District, Rutsiro, and others that span the border, stating, “Lake Kivu, and these beautiful mountains surrounding Rwanda, we must utilize them. […] We must be healthy to see how we can build upon what we have together.”
Regarding Rwanda’s stable security, Kagame reminded residents that it was achieved through the participation of all Rwandans, emphasizing that the country’s development hinges on this stability.
The chairman of RPF Inkotanyi led the struggle of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) to liberate Rwanda from October 1990 to July 1994.
He explained that in 1996 he arrived in the Western (Karongi) and found that there was one part of Rwandans who were in DRC while the other part were in Rwanda. He informed the Congolese government that he wanted them to return home, and this was achieved, leaving only a few who sought to disrupt security.
He said, “I remember, it’s been a long time, I think it was in 1996. When I came here, I found that one part of Rwandans is here, and the other is across the water in Congo. Then I told them that those Rwandans who were on the other side, we want them to return. Many of them came home, a few wanted to cause problems and stayed there, and some of them may still be there or went somewhere else.”
Kagame announced that the Rwandans still in the DRC would be fine and that Rwanda would welcome them, settle them like Rwandans, and build the country.
The RPF candidate told the residents that after achieving security, the next step was building national institutions and effective administration based on the principles of the community and the new Rwanda.
He said, “Furthermore, beginning with security means constructing institutional leadership and effective governance that lead well, adhering to the principles of the RPF and those of the new Rwanda, with the RPF and its partners advancing Rwanda further. Leading well entails ensuring that Rwandan citizens receive what they deserve and can witness it. Good governance excludes leaders who appropriate public resources for personal gain. What we oppose, you too should oppose and reject.”
He informed the people that by voting for him on July 15, 2024, they would be choosing to continue the journey of nation-building.
Despite the First Amendment’s prohibition on government entities favoring one religion over others, Walters defended his decision by citing a state law about historical documents. He emphasized that the Bible holds significant importance to the foundation of America, according to Tulsa CBS affiliate KOTV.
“The Bible is a crucial historical and cultural reference point,” Walters stated. “Without a basic understanding of it, Oklahoma students cannot fully grasp the foundation of our nation. This is why Oklahoma educational standards include its instruction. This directive is not just about education; it is vital for ensuring our students understand the core values and historical context of our country.”
In his memo, Walters instructed teachers to include the Bible in lessons for certain grade levels, specifically mentioning grades 5 through 12.
This directive was issued just 10 days after Louisiana became the first state to require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom. The ACLU is currently challenging this rule in court.
HuffPost contacted the Oklahoma Board of Education to ask if other religious historical documents will also be required in classes, but did not receive an immediate response.
Following the memo’s release, Walters addressed the backlash, stating, “The left is upset, but one cannot rewrite history.”
Upon arriving at Kamarampaka Stadium, the incumbent President Kagame was greeted with a joyful atmosphere and songs from a crowd of Rusizi residents and neighbouring districts.
Kagame expressed his gratitude to the event participants, highlighting that this campaign stage is a significant moment to appreciate the progress made while remembering Rwanda’s history.
He acknowledged that all achievements are due to the patriotism of every citizen who has dedicated themselves to building Rwanda, and that the best has already been accomplished.
“Thanks to our security, no one can find a point of entry to destabilize us!” he declared.
He emphasized that Rwanda’s external enemies cannot penetrate the country and keep their malevolence to themselves.
“All they have left is to wish us harm,” he added.
To help the youth understand their duty and responsibility to preserve this security and the progress already achieved, Kagame referred to Rwanda’s journey from the tragic history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which the RPF’s policies have transformed into current success.
Kagame expressed his confidence that Rwandans will always work to protect Rwanda and its progress.
“Everything that has been achieved is thanks to you; the RPF has worked with you. You are truly Inkotanyi,” he stated.
He added that the journey has been long, much has been accomplished, and the future holds even more progress.
“We will undoubtedly achieve it,” he asserted confidently to his patriotic citizens.
“You, the youth, look at where Rwanda came from and where it is today. You have a dual responsibility to continue building on the gains and to protect them against any threat,” he urged.
“We will protect our security,” the youth shouted again, reassuring Kagame of their strong sense of responsibility for Rwanda’s well-being.
The RPF chairman is running against Frank Habineza, the leader of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, and Mbayimana Philippe, who is vying for the presidency on an independent ticket.
The campaigns will close on July 13. Approximately 9.5 million people have registered to vote in this year’s parliamentary and presidential elections.
