Ramaphosa argues the deployment aligns with Southern African Development Community (SADC) defense commitments to combat armed groups in the DRC, emphasizing such missions are prone to casualties.
Conversely, Malema criticizes the move, citing the South African military’s alleged lack of readiness and proper equipment, suggesting the African National Congress (ANC) has weakened the nation’s armed forces.
He also points to soldiers’ complaints about insufficient provisions, questioning the effectiveness of a hungry army in combat.
This military engagement, costing two billion rands, is a substantial financial and human investment, highlighting deep divisions within South African society and its political landscape over international military interventions.
As the head of AU Institutional Reforms, President Kagame will present a report on the progress of these reforms, which have spanned eight years and resulted in the revitalization of the Peace Fund, now nearing $400 million.
Member states have largely fulfilled their financial contributions.
The focus of this year’s AU Summit is on the 2024 theme of education, following a global summit on Transforming Education led by the UN Secretary-General in September 2022.
The urgency arises from the worldwide education crisis and the insufficient progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 4.
Africa, in particular, faces significant challenges in achieving this goal. A closer look at the education sector in Africa reveals ongoing efforts to enhance access, completion, and quality of education, with a specific emphasis on reducing the number of out-of-school children and improving literacy rates.
Building on previous collaborations with Bboxx in Rwanda, and following in the footsteps of recent successful partnerships with Mogo and Watu in Kenya, Spiro continues to weave a network of strategic alliances across the continent. These partnerships are pivotal in Spiro’s mission to enhance access to clean energy and sustainable transportation.
Arunkumar Bhandari, the Head of Spiro in Rwanda highlighted that Jali’s extensive experience and respected standing in Rwanda’s financial sector, combined with Spiro’s innovative EV solutions, promise to drive unprecedented growth in the country’s green mobility sector.
{{A Partnership for progress}}
The union with Jali, renowned for its robust asset financing solutions, signifies a leap forward in making EV technology accessible to a broader segment of the Rwandan population.
{{Extending the Ecosystem}}
This partnership aligns with Spiro’s overarching strategy to develop a comprehensive Pan-African smart energy ecosystem. By integrating cutting-edge technology with practical financial solutions, Spiro and its partners are setting new benchmarks for sustainability and innovation in Africa.
Spiro offers riders a cheaper, smarter, and cleaner way to travel by allowing them to swap batteries in under a minute before continuing with their journeys. There’s no waiting for batteries to charge up at home, and none of the noise and smell of an old ICE bike.
With 12,000 electric motorbikes in Benin,Togo, Rwanda and Kenya, Spiro is increasing its foothold across Africa, and recently celebrated its 7 millionth battery swap.
“We have 40,000 swapable batteries in operation, and Spiro’s in house State of Charge technology model ensures we understand the condition of each individual battery, at all times. It’s another example of Spiro’s relentless focus on safety of batteries which we continue to develop here in our dedicated tech team in Pune, India,” said Yogesh Dipankar – Spiro’s Head of IoT / Maps and Data Monetisation.
{{Technological milestones ahead}}
Looking forward, Spiro is set to introduce a series of technological innovations across Africa, developed in house by a dedicated tech team in Pune, India. March will see the launch of the first automatic swap stations in Rwanda, a development that promises to revolutionize the EV market by offering unparalleled convenience for EV users.
Additionally, the eagerly anticipated Spiro app, featuring multi-service integration, geolocation, and seamless payment options, is slated for release, marking a significant advancement in Spiro’s tech-driven approach to mobility.
According to Kaushik Burman, the CEO of Spiro, the company’s technology stack empowers financial leasing partners with the ability to make prudent decisions on the back of real-time asset performance, thereby reducing the risk of underwriting.
{{A future forged together}}
“Spiro’s journey is one of collaboration and innovation,” stated Kaushik Burman, CEO of Spiro. “Our partnership with Jali, building upon our engagements with Bboxx, Mogo, and Watu, exemplifies our commitment to crafting a sustainable future for Africa. Together, we are promoting electric mobility and pioneering a new era of environmental responsibility and technological empowerment.”
Jali Finance ltd’s CEO, Felix Nkudimana says, “We at Jali Finance are thrilled to have sealed a partnership with SPIRO, Africa’s foremost electric motorcycle supplier. This collaboration marks a significant step in our mission to eradicate unemployment in Rwanda with eco-friendly products. By utilising this partnership, we will empower additional thousands of individuals with sustainable transportation solutions while fostering economic growth.
Furthermore, the adoption of electric motorcycles not only enhances mobility but also champions environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner air quality. Together, we’re driving positive change, transforming lives, and safeguarding our planet for future generations.”
Commenting on the development, Felix Nkudimana, the CEO of Jali Finance ltd stated that by utilising this partnership, they will empower additional thousands of individuals with sustainable transportation solutions while fostering economic growth.
As Spiro gears up to launch its automatic swap stations and the Spiro app, the company invites all stakeholders to join in this exciting phase of growth. Through collaborative efforts and technological innovation, Spiro is not just envisioning a greener future for Africa but actively bringing it to fruition.
According to the Angolan media outlet Angola Press Agency, the Angolan minister made the remarks in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, on the sidelines of the 44th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU).
Antonio said South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania are the regional countries that have begun deploying military contingents to the DRC.
He emphasized that it is the duty of SADC member states to contribute contingents to the DRC, as was the case in Mozambique, in accordance with a decision by SADC heads of state and government.
He also said this action stems from the member countries’ concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation in the eastern DRC following the resurgence of attacks by the M23, which violated the existing cease-fire.
The SADC, with headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana, is an intergovernmental organization comprising 16 member states. Angola assumed the rotating presidency in August 2023.
A statement released late Wednesday by the EAC headquarters at the end of a ministerial session of the 16th Sectoral Council of Energy held in Arusha, Tanzania, said the EAC member states resolved to embark on various initiatives aimed at tapping the potential of renewable energy and energy conservation.
The initiatives included the review of national renewable energy laws, the implementation of energy management regulations, national strategies and standards for energy efficiency and renewable energy, and the promotion of energy efficiency and conservation.
The EAC member states are Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and Somalia.
These children and youth are vulnerable to all sorts of scourges, and they can be easily manipulated by terrorist groups, drug dealers and human traffickers, Belhocine told reporters during the ongoing AU Summit held in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, noting that many of them end up in different crime networks or migrating to other parts of Africa or out of the continent.
He stressed the need to support these children and youth through vocational and technical training, and help them get necessary skills to become self-employed.
Africa faces a setback in delivering quality education, especially at low grades, resulting in nine out of 10 children in Sub-Saharan Africa being unable to read and understand a simple text by the age of 10, the commissioner acknowledged.
Noting that Africa needs about 90 billion U.S. dollars to achieve universal education coverage by 2030, he called for global support for the continent to meet the funding gap.
In a document received by Xinhua, the Constitutional Council asserted that the law adopted by parliament on Feb. 5, which delayed the election from Feb. 25 to Dec. 15, is “contrary to the constitution.” Considering that “it is impossibile to organise the presidential election on the date initially planned,” the Constitutional Council invited the authorities to hold it “as soon as possible.”
The president on Feb. 3 announced the postponement of the presidential election originally scheduled for Feb. 25, in a message broadcast to the nation just a few hours before the start of the electoral campaign. Senegal’s parliament on Feb. 5 adopted a bill postponing the presidential election until Dec. 15 this year.
The bustling activity of Rwandans and Congolese, once common from dawn till dusk, exchanging goods, and currencies, has been visibly reduced. The imposition of a 3:00 p.m. curfew by the DRC has further affected these cross-border interactions.
Jean Pierre, a young man from the DRC working as a porter at the border, shared his concerns about the dwindling traffic, highlighting a decrease in opportunities to earn a livelihood. Despite these challenges, individuals with disabilities continue to traverse the border with goods-laden bicycles, though in reduced numbers. Additionally, large trucks transporting goods to Goma are subject to rigorous inspections before clearance.
One of the milk vendors at the La Corniche border shared their experiences, stating, “There’s theft, and sometimes, upon arrival, we’re met with scolding. It makes me think, ‘I should just save myself; God will handle the rest.’”
They also highlighted the discrimination they face for being Rwandan, explaining, “We’re often chased away simply because of our nationality. When I’m forced to flee, it’s because I’ve been labeled a ‘haramu’ and told to ‘run away because you’re Rwandan.’ This poses a significant challenge for us milk sellers. Being Rwandan is like a stigma, even if some can conceal it. Since the milk is known to originate from Rwanda, any accusation can be made against us. Being associated with M23 could lead to our disappearance.”
DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting M23 rebel group, allegations which Kigali rejects and urges the neighboring country to solve internal problems without seeking justifications through blame games.
Data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) shows the importance of trade between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In the second quarter of 2022, the DRC was the top destination for Rwandan re-exported goods, receiving products worth $152.97 million. By the second quarter of 2023, it remained a significant trade partner, importing $321.94 million worth of goods from Rwanda, making it the second-largest recipient of Rwandan exports.
At the La Corniche (Grande Barrière) border, the flow of goods from the DRC into Rwanda persists, underscoring potential hurdles in cross-border trade. Rubavu District’s Executive Secretary, Ruhamyambuga Olivier, emphasized the enduring relationship between the two nations’ citizens, despite political tensions. He asserted the people’s resilience in maintaining mutual respect and understanding, amidst external pressures to foster discord.
Rubavu District, situated on the eastern border with the DRC, is a vital hub for cross-border commerce and hosts a significant foreign population. According to the 2022 population census, Rubavu is home to 2,780 foreigners. The daily cross-border movement has seen a drastic reduction from pre-pandemic levels, indicating the profound impact of both health and security challenges on regional trade and mobility.
The man, who moved to the Netherlands in 1998, faces accusations of complicity in genocide, incitement to genocide, and war crimes, including plunder and property destruction.
Rwandan authorities, having issued an international arrest warrant in 2014, sought his extradition, but he will be tried in the Netherlands due to his Dutch nationality.
This case marks another instance of the Dutch authorities acting against individuals suspected of participating in the Genocide against the Tutsi, following the extradition of Venant Rutunga in 2021, the third such extradition to Rwanda by the Netherlands.
Solid’Africa, recognized for offering free nutritious meals to underprivileged patients, will use its €1.1 million share to inaugurate a training center focused on cooking and nutrition. This initiative aims to elevate meal quality for patients while providing valuable job opportunities within the hospital catering industry.
Additionally, SFH will receive €1.53 million to construct over 20 health centers, adding to the 80 health facilities already established in a prior phase. This expansion is expected to create numerous construction jobs and improve healthcare access by enhancing the professional capabilities of medical staff.
The agreements, signed at the German Embassy in Rwanda, signify a crucial phase in Rwanda and Germany’s collaborative efforts towards socio-economic growth. Solid’Africa’s director, Nassir Katuramu, highlighted the partnership’s role in expanding their food program nationally, in cooperation with the Rwandan government, to serve district hospitals across 47 regions.
