Xi made a significant judgment in 2017 that China’s economy had been transitioning from a phase of rapid growth to a stage of high-quality development.
He noted that China had reached a critical stage in transforming its growth model and was faced with prominent problems such as rising labor costs, growing constraints from resources and the environment, unsustainable models of extensive development, and impediments in the economic flows.
Since then, pursuing high-quality development has become a key requirement for Chinese authorities when formulating economic policies, leading to sweeping changes including rapid technological advancement, burgeoning green industries and wider market access for foreign investors.
In essence, high-quality development means a change from seeking growth to seeking better growth.
In Xi’s view, high-quality development is the kind of development that can meet the people’s ever-growing desire for a better life. It reflects the new development philosophy featuring innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development.
During China’s annual central economic work conference last December, Xi said: “It is imperative to uphold high-quality development as the unyielding principle of the new era.”
A reception in honor of Captain Li Dayi was hosted on the evening of Tuesday, 20th February 2024, within the premises of the Chinese Embassy in Kigali.
During the ceremony, which was also attended by other Defence Attachés accredited to Rwanda, Captain Li Dayi articulated his readiness to employ his extensive military experience to further strengthen the already robust relations between the two nations.
“In recent years, cooperation between China and Rwanda in various fields has been fruitful. As an important part of bilateral relations, the Chinese and Rwandan military relations have maintained a sound development momentum in the spirit of mutual respect and mutual benefit, thus enhancing strategic mutual trust.
I am ready to do my utmost to promote pragmatic cooperation between the two militaries to a new level in the future, and to help the Sino-Rwandan friendship and cooperative partnership achieve new results,” he said.
Captain Li Dayi emphasized that China prioritizes global peace, a goal he is committed to pursuing continuously.
“Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, we have always pursued a defensive national defence policy, have never initiated any war or conflict, and are the only nuclear-weapon state that has undertaken not to be the first to use nuclear weapons and not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon States or nuclear-weapon-free zones,” he noted.
Maj Gen John Baptist Ngiruwonsanga, the Commandant of the RDF General Headquarters, speaking on behalf of the Rwanda Defence Forces’ leadership at the event, noted the productive military collaboration between Rwanda and China.
He highlighted that this partnership has been beneficial, with the Chinese military offering diverse training programs to RDF personnel across various disciplines since 2017.
Maj Gen Ngiruwonsanga stated that over 300 RDF personnel, encompassing senior officers, have undergone military training in China.
In the academic year of 2023/2024, China extended training opportunities to 28 individuals in a variety of disciplines.
Presently, 15 RDF personnel are enrolled in military schools in China, with an additional nine slated to begin their training in March 2024.
Furthermore, the Chinese Ministry of Defense offers training in military parades to Rwandan soldiers.
Maj Gen Ngiruwonsanga underscored the significance of appointing a Defence Attaché at the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda as a major milestone in enhancing the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
He also stressed the importance of military cooperation, particularly in an era when global security challenges are prevalent.
“We believe that no single country can confront contemporary security challenges alone. It is paramount for us to build trust with each other through defence diplomacy and collectively contribute to global security,” Maj Gen Ngiruwonsanga said.
Maj Ngiruwonsanga welcomed Captain Li, assuring him of cooperation on behalf of the Rwandan military.
“I wish all the best to the new Chinese Defence Attache. Defence cooperation is and will continue to be an essential tool for creating peace and stability. Our region is faced with challenges. However, we firmly believe that we can overcome them through cooperation,” he noted.
The Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, Wang Xuekun, remarked that Li’s extensive experience will contribute significantly to the already solid relationship between the two countries.
Li has spent a significant amount of time in the Chinese military, working for the Ministry of Defence of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and in the naval forces. He also served as the Deputy Defence Attaché at the Chinese embassy in Liberia and in Italy.
“Having worked in grass-roots troops for years, he mastered profound military knowledge. The working experience in the PLA headquarters has given him visions and insights on global and regional issues. Upon arrival in Kigali, he devoted himself to the work and established contact with officials from RDF and colleagues of the Defence attaché corps, which showcased his professionalism and competence,” Amb. Wang Xuekun said.
“The establishment of China’s Defence Attaché Office in Rwanda is a landmark event in China-Rwanda relations, which reflects that the friendly cooperative relations between the two countries is advancing to a new level,” he added.
The longstanding relations between Rwanda and China span 75 years, marked by substantial cooperation between the two nations. China stands as one of the primary sources of Rwanda’s imports, underlining the depth of both countries’ economic ties.
Despite an unsuccessful attempt in January 2023, a dedicated team of researchers embarked on a renewed mission, leading to the successful identification of the vessel.
Amb. Robert Masozera, Director General of the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy, shared insights into the discovery process with IGIHE, highlighting the critical moment of evidence emergence on Monday, which eventually led to the boat’s definitive pinpointing the following day.
In his message sent to IGIHE journalist on Tuesday, Amb. Masozera revealed, “Preliminary information received today confirms the boat’s location, though we are still compiling further details. A more detailed update will follow shortly.”
The backdrop of this discovery is the First World War, a four-year global conflict that, within Rwanda, spanned from 1914 to 1916, featuring clashes between German and Belgian forces, the latter based in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The boat’s hiding spot, Musaho, lies in Kagugu village, within the Mushubati Sector of Rutsiro District, a site rich in historical narratives of the war’s aftermath, where defeated German forces concealed the vessel.
The successful recovery of the boat was facilitated by a blend of modern technologies, including underwater and subterranean metal detection tools and drones, showcasing a collaborative effort between the Rwandan Government and the Cultural Heritage Academy.
Given the boat’s lengthy submersion, Amb. Masozera previously speculated on the preservation challenges, suggesting an innovative approach to keep the boat submerged as a submerged exhibit for diving enthusiasts, thereby avoiding the potential degradation that could occur if removed from water.
Amb. Masozera recently told IGIHE that if the boat were found, it might not be removed from the water due to the risk of rapid deterioration after such a long time submerged.
He suggested that it could be preserved in the water for tourists to explore through diving.
This development came to light on the evening of Tuesday, February 20, 2024, when Lukonde submitted a letter to the country’s President, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, explaining his decision to leave office.
It is reported he resigned to allow President Félix Tshisekedi, who was recently re-elected for a second term, to form a new cabinet.
Lukonde, who assumed the role of Prime Minister in 2021, took over from Sylvestre Ilunga Ilukamba.
Ilukamba’s tenure as Prime Minister ended following a loss of confidence from the Parliament, leading to his resignation.
On Tuesday 20, France voiced its alarm regarding the persistent conflicts in Eastern Congo, notably near Goma and Sake.
In its communication, France appealed to the M23 to halt hostilities and relinquish control of territories in accordance with the Luanda agreements, designed to mediate the crisis in Eastern Congo.
The announcement further urged all backers of M23 to discontinue their support and requested the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government to end its collaboration with the FDLR, a group established by individuals implicated in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Yolande Makolo asserted that France has the deepest understanding of the issues in eastern Congo.
“No one knows more about the root causes and history of the conflict in eastern DRC than France. Additionally, the current head of UN Peacekeeping Operations is also very conversant with this history, as well as what is going on in eastern DRC, so there should be no confusion. If the real issues at the origin of the ongoing conflict were addressed, the problem would not exist,” she posted on X.
The head of UN Peacekeeping Operations mentioned by Makolo is Jean-Pierre Lacroix who assumed his role on April 1, 2017, succeeding Hervé Ladsous.
Lacroix is deeply familiar with the region’s history, having contributed to the establishment of “Opération Turquoise,” a mission that supported the leaders of the Habyarimana government and soldiers who fled to Congo’s forests after killing Tutsis in Rwanda.
Lacroix also served as an Advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister of France, Edouard Balladur.
Those who went into exile with the complicity of Operation Turquoise are the ones who have become members of FDLR.
Currently, the FDLR is an acknowledged component of the Congolese Military (FARDC), and its alliance with the DRC government has been validated by the UN and entities such as Human Rights Watch.
However, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has maintained its silence, not addressing the matter publicly.
Makolo said that if the real issues at the origin of the ongoing conflict were addressed, the problem would not exist.
“During the night of Feb. 19-20, the French Multi-Mission Frigates detected multiple drone attacks from Yemen in their respective patrol zones in the Gulf of Aden and the southern Red Sea. Two drones were destroyed,” said the ministry in a statement.
The French navy’s operation contributed to the objective of the operation launched by the European Union, the statement added.
On Monday, Brussels announced that it launched a naval mission, codenamed “ASPIDES”, meaning shield in Greek, in the Red Sea and the Gulf regions to safeguard its commercial and security interests.
France has deployed the Alsace, a frigate with air defense capabilities, and the Languedoc, an anti-submarine frigate, in the zone, reported French media.
On Saturday, the Houthi military said it would continue launching missile attacks against Israel-linked commercial vessels and Israel-bound ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and would only stop if Israel halts its aggression on the Palestinian enclave of the Gaza Strip.
The two UN agencies said Tuesday that they convened in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, a capacity-building workshop last week targeting healthcare professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders from ten countries — Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe — focused on enhancing countries’ capabilities to effectively implement the BFHI as an integral component of maternal and newborn health quality care strategies.
Abdourahmane Diallo, the WHO representative to Kenya, said by strengthening healthcare professionals’ capacity to promote breastfeeding and implement the BFHI, the WHO and its partners are laying a solid foundation for improving newborn survival, reducing childhood morbidity and mortality, and achieving sustainable development goals.
“This capacity-building workshop represents a significant milestone in our collective efforts to advance maternal and child health outcomes in Africa,” Diallo said in a joint statement issued in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital.
The BFHI, a global effort launched by the WHO and UNICEF, aims to protect and support breastfeeding and mother-baby bonding by ensuring that maternity facilities adhere to the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.
According to global evidence, implementing the BFHI significantly improves breastfeeding rates and better child health outcomes.
Early initiation of breastfeeding has proven to reduce the risk of infant mortality and is important in driving progress against global nutrition targets — against stunting, anemia in women of reproductive age, low birth weight, childhood overweight, and wasting.
Implementation of the BFHI, however, is still below standard as in the African region, only 2 out of 42 countries have more than 50 percent of births in baby-friendly facilities, the UN agencies said.
It is against this backdrop that the WHO and partners met in Kenya to accelerate countries’ commitment and action to adapting and institutionalizing the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding within national standards of care, strengthening country-led, comprehensive approaches to increased access to skilled breastfeeding counseling.
Christiane Rudert, the regional adviser for UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa, said that such capacity-building workshops play a crucial role in equipping healthcare practitioners and other stakeholders with the necessary tools to offer essential support to infants and mothers, particularly from vulnerable communities.
The workshop also provided a platform for participants to exchange experiences, share best practices, and forge partnerships for collective action to advance the implementation of the BFHI.
“Following alerts and reports from special services, vehicles with tinted glasses constitute a source of insecurity in the city of Goma,” said Peter Chirimwami, military governor of the province.
According to him, a period of 72 hours is granted to owners of vehicles to comply with the regulation.
The security situation remains volatile around Goma, with fighting between the DRC military and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebellion, with the latter having recently launched multiple offensives against military positions.
With the main roads between Goma and its surroundings cut off by the M23, the city of Goma is on the verge of economic suffocation, while the situation remains highly volatile on the frontline. It is holding on with the influx of civilians into displacement camps, which risks worsening the already precarious humanitarian crisis, with the supply of goods heavily cut off by the M23’s advance.
UN peacekeeping forces have been redeployed to help defend Goma and Sake, a town located about 27 km from Goma, said Monday Stephane Dujarric, principal spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. He added the mission’s peacekeeping force, known as MONUSCO, was deeply concerned by the new escalation of hostilities by the M23 rebels in North Kivu Province.
Domingue, through his directorial lens, not only seeks to dismantle prevailing stereotypes but also aims to celebrate the remarkable journey of a country that has risen from the ashes of tragedy to become a model of progress and harmony.
Rwanda, a country that once made headlines for its devastating 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, is today lauded for its strides in economic development, social cohesion, and political stability.
Charles Domingue’s fascination with Rwanda is palpable as he shares his experiences and observations. Having explored numerous countries, Domingue finds Rwanda to be unparalleled in its commitment to growth and peace.
In an interview with IGIHE, Domingue highlights several aspects that make Rwanda stand out on the global stage.
The significant representation of women in government, the implementation of universal health insurance, and a commendable literacy rate among its population are but a few indicators of Rwanda’s progressive policies. Yet, it is the nation’s journey towards reconciliation and forgiveness post-genocide that forms the crux of “Rwanda, Paradise Regained.”
The documentary poignantly showcases the village of reconciliation, where victims and perpetrators of the genocide live side by side, embodying an extraordinary example of resilience, forgiveness, and humanity.
This act of living together in peace, despite the shadows of a painful past, serves as a powerful testament to Rwanda’s collective spirit and determination to forge a united future.
Central to Rwanda’s remarkable transformation is the visionary leadership of President Paul Kagame. Domingue regards Kagame as a pivotal figure whose ambitious and forward-thinking approach has not only steered Rwanda on the path of development but has also positioned the country as a beacon of hope for other developing nations.
Kagame’s leadership is emblematic of the potential that lies in visionary governance and the indomitable will of a people to transcend their history and redefine their destiny.
Domingue’s mission with “Rwanda, Paradise Regained” is to share his profound admiration and respect for Rwanda with a global audience. By screening the documentary in countries such as Belgium and Rwanda, and initially for the Rwandan diaspora in Canada, Domingue aims to unveil an inspiring reality that remains largely unknown to the world.
Through his film, he invites viewers to look beyond preconceived notions and discover the resilience, unity, and determination that define Rwanda today.
“Rwanda, Paradise Regained” is more than a documentary; it is an invitation to witness the power of human spirit, the importance of visionary leadership, and the possibility of transformation against all odds.
Domingue’s work is a compelling narrative that urges us to draw inspiration from Rwanda’s journey, reminding us of the capacity within each society to overcome adversity and chart a course towards a brighter, more united future.
He also extended a courtesy call to the Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, before receiving a briefing on RDF’s transformation journey and regional security dynamics.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, General Chanegriha emphasised the positive relations between the two armies and expressed their mutual intent to further enhance these ties through the visit.
“It was imperative for us to explore into various aspects that can strengthen our collaboration in addressing upcoming challenges, considering the geopolitical and geostrategic landscape affecting Africa and our neighbouring regions. Our communication has always been continuous, and with this visit, our connection will be even more strengthened,” said Gen Chanegriha.
Earlier in the day, the Algerian Army Chief paid homage to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at the Kigali Genocide Memorial and visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum in Kimihurura.
