The ECOWAS Commission said in a statement that it was yet to receive any direct notification from the three member states about their intention to withdraw from the community.
“Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali remain important members of the community and the Authority of Heads of State and Government remains committed to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse,” read the statement.
Earlier on Sunday, the declarations by the military junta leaders were broadcast on national televisions of Mali and Niger, sparking concern among the international community.
According to Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, Malian minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, and spokesperson for the transitional government of Mali, this decision was taken in “full sovereignty” by Ibrahim Traore, president of the Transition of Burkina Faso, Colonel Assimi Goita, interim president of Mali, and Brigadier General Abdourahamane Tchiani, president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland of Niger, and they decided to take “all their responsibility before history” by responding “to the expectations, concerns and aspirations of their populations.”
ECOWAS was founded in 1975 with a mission to promote economic integration in all fields of economic activities, particularly industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, agriculture, natural resources, commerce, monetary and financial questions, and social and cultural matters. To demand a return to constitutional order, ECOWAS, with headquarters in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, has imposed drastic sanctions on the three countries since the military took power in the three countries.
One such myth, ingrained in my childhood by my father, was the cautionary tale of not pointing a finger at a pumpkin, for fear it would rot. Absurd as it may sound now, back then, we treated pumpkins as if they held some mystical power, pretending not to have seen it when one crossed its path in the garden.
These seemingly trivial beliefs had a peculiar way of influencing our choices and interactions.
Then there were the gender-bending whispers. Girls, apparently, were forbidden from whistling, especially after sunset, as if the night air was a snake summoning hotline
Such notions, though seemingly harmless, seeped into the fabric of our daily lives, subtly shaping our behaviors and perceptions.
Reflecting on my foray into the world of religious diversity, I recall an incident at a Catholic church where I partook in the holy communion.
In our village, the ritual was exclusive to Catholics, and the rumor circulated that consuming the Eucharistic bread without being a member of the faith would result in one’s home being set ablaze.
Fueled by curiosity, I defied the myth, only to find my house standing as solid as ever upon my return. It became a source of hearty laughter.
There’s an intriguing story surrounding the locally known wooden mortar, referred to as “ISEKURU.” This tool is commonly used for pounding a variety of foods, particularly cassava leaves, in Rwanda and neighboring countries.
Boys were warned that sitting in this tool would transform them into girls. The absurdity of such beliefs is now apparent, but in our formative years, they played a role in shaping our understanding of societal norms.
As we unpack these whimsical tales from our past, it’s not just about debunking myths; it’s a journey into the quirky, absurd, and downright hilarious side of our childhood.
These myths weren’t just cautionary tales; they were the spice that flavored our growing years, adding a pinch of the fantastical to our reality. So, let’s raise a glass to the myths that made us, the stories that shaped us, and the laughter that echoes through the corridors of our nostalgic minds. Cheers to a childhood filled with fantastical fables and the colorful characters we’ve become!
This initiative, which resembles the Nyandungu Park in Gasabo District, is projected to incur a cost of $80 million (over Rwf101.6 billion). The official launch of the wetland restoration project took place on January 27, 2024, during the community work (Umuganda) event, held at Gikondo wetland in Kicukiro District.
The targeted wetlands cover a total area of 408 hectares and include Gikondo, Rwampara, Rugenge-Rwintare, Kibumba, and Nyabugogo swamps. Each wetland will undergo specialized restoration based on its location.
According to Kabera Juliet, the CEO of REMA, the renovation project is expected to cost $80 million, with Rwanda collaborating with various partners, including the World Bank, to secure $32 million (equivalent to slightly over Rwf40 billion) for the initial phase of this initiative.
She stated that the wetlands will undergo a modernized renovation, eliminating unwanted grass, reclaiming stolen springs, and incorporating sidewalks for pedestrians and cyclists. The plan includes seating areas, the restoration of damaged grass, and the installation of additional water filters. The objective is to enhance the appearance of Nyandungu.
Commencing in the first week of February, the implementation of these improvements is expected to conclude within 18 months. The wetlands will be treated using contemporary water-receiving and filtering methods to facilitate the flow of clean streams.
The rehabilitation aims to eliminate unpleasant odors, eradicate litter such as used bottles, and transform the area into a tourist attraction teeming with biodiversity that was previously diminishing.
The primary focus is on widening the rivers within the wetlands and directing them through modern channels. Reservoirs will be created to regulate water flow speed, preventing potential floods that could jeopardize infrastructure.
Various traditional trees, including those from Gishwati, Mukura, and other rare species found in Kigali, will be added to enhance the educational experience for visitors, allowing them to learn about the diverse trees present in natural forests. While the primary goal is environmental conservation, the wetlands will incorporate various amenities to cater to recreational tourists.
Infrastructure developments in these wetlands will encompass facilities such as libraries with internet access, recreational spaces featuring football fields, bicycle paths, and pedestrian walkways for sports and leisure activities. Additionally, there will be food stalls, exhibitions, children’s games, and more. Dedicated parking areas equipped with solar energy solutions will be available for vehicles. The wetlands will boast four-meter-wide bicycle lanes, benches every 500 meters, sky bridges over artificial ponds, and street lights every 20 meters.
The amenities further include bicycle sheds, large tables for educational purposes, information booths, drinking water stations, benches for sightseeing, and gyms for fitness enthusiasts. Residents will not only find employment opportunities during the wetland cleaning process and subsequent developments but also have a vibrant recreational space funded by visitor contributions.
In Nyabugogo wetland, a sizable lake, filled with filtered water, will be installed to provide water-based recreational activities, offering an alternative to traveling to Rubavu. Additionally, a boat will be available for those who prefer water travel.
The Minister of Environment Jeanne D’Arc Mujawamariya likened wetlands to kidneys, emphasizing their vital role in filtering water and supporting ecosystem health. The minister sees the wetland restoration project as a collective opportunity for employment, services, and a safe recreational environment.
The restoration efforts are expected to directly and indirectly benefit over 220,500 people facing challenges such as disasters, lack of clean water, and other issues resulting from wetland degradation. The master plan for Kigali City until 2050 reveals a 4% reduction in wetland area from 2013 to 2022 due to human activities, currently accounting for 10.6% of the city’s total area.
Kigali City currently has 37 wetlands covering 9,160 hectares, estimated to be valued at over $74 million. The government’s initiatives since 2017, involving the relocation of families and removal of destructive activities, aim to address wetland degradation. A study by the Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOS) projects that taking care of Kigali’s wetlands could contribute more than $1.9 billion to Rwanda’s economy by 2025.
Mukuralinda elucidated that since the announcement of this program by both countries following the agreement signed in April 2022, a coalition of UK politicians, alongside individuals advocating for “racial extremists, including those implicated in the Genocide against the Tutsi,” has emerged to launch attacks against Rwanda.
Opponents argue that Rwanda lacks the capacity to accommodate migrants, a claim Mukuralinda dismissed, emphasizing that the country already hosts over 130,000 refugees. He underscored that the criticism against Rwanda based on the migration agreement has emboldened extremists aiming to undermine Rwanda’s security and the reconciliation of its people.
Citing a document circulated by a Genocide denier and trivializer, Norman Nishimwe, who leads the Jambo Asbl organization, Mukuralinda highlighted how some members of Parliament relied on it to cast doubt on Rwanda’s development. He pointed out that Nishimwe falsely claims there were two genocides in Rwanda, aiming to sanitize those involved in the planning and execution of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Mukuralinda revealed, “This group provided a platform to leaders of the FDLR genocidaire group, consisting of murderers who fled Rwanda in 1994. These genocidaires have been involved in deadly attacks in Rwanda, seeking to overthrow the government that liberated the country and continues to transform it.”
Addressing politicians opposing the program, Mukuralinda urged them to scrutinize their alliances, emphasizing that they are associating with genocide deniers and individuals advocating for violence and hatred, seeking to plunge the country back into chaos and conflict.
He reiterated Rwanda’s remarkable economic growth and the improved lives of its citizens, with life expectancy doubling to an average of 70 years.
This revelation comes as a stark reminder of the extreme cruelty that unfolded in a area known for its significant concentration of scholars at that time. The minister’s talk took place on January 27, 2024.
Dr. Bizimana highlighted the role of the former Butare Prefecture, a focal point of political activities, where hate activities were initiated by Gitera from Save.
Gitera, responsible for drafting the ten commandments of Hutus, set in motion a history of hatred that persisted among the residents, shaping the ideologies of both children and neighbors.
The narrative of hatred, according to Dr. Bizimana, extended even to the medical community, typically associated with preserving health. In Butare during the Genocide, some doctors deviated from their oath, committing acts that contradicted their profession.
During the address, Dr. Bizimana shared shocking statistics, revealing that Huye town (formerly Butare) boasted the largest number of doctors in 1994, with approximately 40 of them working at the University Teaching Hospital of Butare-CHUB and Kabutere hospitals.
Astonishingly, three-quarters of these doctors, totaling 26, were convicted of genocide. The minister emphasized the significant involvement of medical lecturers and doctors in the atrocities.
Notably, 31 nurses from Butare faced convictions for crimes despite their sworn duty to treat and protect life. Dr. Bizimana cited a disheartening example of a doctor couple, both working at CHUB, who participated in the genocide and were sentenced.
One chilling example presented by Dr. Bizimana was that of Ndindabahizi Jean Chrysostome, a doctor at CHUB, and his wife, Nduwamariya Jeanne, an otolaryngologist, who both committed genocide.
The minister recounted a horrific incident involving Dr. Nduwamariya, who, as the sole expert in treating ears, throats, and noses, inserted a nail into a child’s ear during the Genocide, illustrating the extreme cruelty exhibited by Butare doctors.
Dr. Bizimana urged the youth to learn from these real-life examples, emphasizing the importance of understanding the country’s history to become exemplary professionals. He called on students to reject any association with the dark past and strive to be positive contributors to society.
Regrettably, two doctors involved in these heinous acts have fled the country and have yet to face legal consequences for their actions. The minister’s revelations serve as a poignant reminder of the need to confront and learn from the atrocities committed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The accident occurred Friday evening on Lake Mugesera in Rwamagana District. The boat was carrying passengers, mainly farmers who were returning from harvesting their produce in the Rukumberi sector in Ngoma district, heading to Rwamagana district, when it blew a strong wind.
The boat capsized before it sank, according to local officials.
“As of Saturday evening, 14 bodies were recovered, and two others who were still unaccounted for were recovered on Sunday,” Rwamagana District Mayor Radjab Mbonyumuvunyi told Xinhua.
Forty-seven people were on the boat when it sank, not 46 as reported earlier, he said.
Marine officers rescued 31 people.
Mbonyumuvunyi said the boat was overloaded with passengers and agricultural produce including maize and beans, as several people were returning from harvesting their produce across the river.
Rou Manyiel Rou, the secretary general of Abyei Special Administrative Area, said that the attacks in Nyinkuac, Majbong, and Khadian areas by armed youth from the Twic community in collaboration with Nuer youth loyal to their spiritual leader Gai Machiek also left 35 people wounded.
“As we face these barbaric coordinated attacks, the government of Abyei Special Administrative Area condemns in the strongest terms possible the attempt by Twic and their allied armed youth to defy the presidential order issued recently by President Salva Kiir to end the conflict between Ngok Dinka and Twic communities,” Manyiel told Xinhua in an interview.
President Kiir’s order issued on Jan. 18 called on security forces to expel from Warrap state the Nuer spiritual leader Gai Machiek and his loyal Nuer youth in a bid to resolve the conflict between Ngok Dinka and the Twic communities. The order also called on security forces to summon and arrest politicians from both warring communities who appeared to incite violence between the two communities.
Manyiel called for the speedy deployment of neutral security forces along the border between Twic County and the Abyei Administrative Area.
Simon Aguek Chan, the commissioner of Twic County of Warrap state, said that their youth were not involved in the violence in the Abyei Administrative Area. Aguek said that the fighting was between armed Nuer youth staying within Abyei and the local Ngok Dinka youth.
“The Nuer armed youth who fought with Abyei youth on Saturday are the ones who have been killing people in Twic, they have heavy machine guns and I believe they are from organized forces because the weapons they have are not supposed to be for civilians,” he said.
The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) condemned the series of armed attacks that took place Saturday in the Abyei Administrative Area, which resulted in the death of a UN peacekeeper from Ghana.
“The Mission confirms that the inter-communal clashes that took place in the Nyinkuac, Majbong, and Khadian areas led to casualties and the evacuation of civilians to UNISFA bases to provide safety for those caught up in the violence. Efforts are underway to verify the number of those killed, injured, and displaced in the violence,” it said in a statement.
It added that the UNISFA base in Agok came under attack by an armed group that was repelled by the peacekeepers.
UNISFA called for a swift and thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to these attacks to ensure that all perpetrators are held accountable.
In November 2023, 32 people were killed in deadly communal fighting between Ngok Dinka and Twic communities in the Abyei Administrative Area.
The two communities have been contesting for years the ownership of a strip of land in the Aneet border area, which separates the two communities.
Abyei Administrative Area remains a contested area between South Sudan and its neighbor Sudan which is currently mired in conflict since April 15.
Examples of Western hypocrisy include allegations concerning boarding schools in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region and so-called “forced labor” in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China.
Boarding schools are common in China and the world. In sparsely-populated Xizang, it ensures fair education. These schools, which are totally voluntary, provide traditional culture courses, such as Tibetan language and literature and folk dance and traditional food. Students are free to wear traditional dresses at school.
It must be pointed out that boarding schools in Xizang are totally different from those aimed at “forced assimilation” in history in some Western powers. For example, in the 19th and 20 centuries, Indian children in the United States were forced to attend boarding schools and banned from speaking their native language, wearing their traditional clothes, or carrying out traditional activities, thus erasing their language, culture and identity in an act of cultural genocide.
The attacks and smear campaigns against boarding schools in Xizang amount to attempts to destroy the children’s right to education and depriving the region of its right to development and progress.
Lies are lies. The “forced labor” in Xinjiang, which some Western countries have alleged, is the same kind of lies with the same despicable purposes. An audit commissioned by Volkswagen has been a slap in the face for rumormongers. No indication of forced labor was found at the company’s plant in Xinjiang, the German carmaker said in December last year.
The myth of “forced labor” in Xinjiang has also been debunked by other firms. Responding to reports alleging forced labor at a shoe factory in south China it sources products from, Skechers said in a March 2021 statement that none of its multiple audits of the factory — in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 — had revealed any indication of the use of forced labor or other concerning labor conditions.
As a matter of fact, the United States is fraught with serious forced labor. The University of Denver’s website disclosed that there are currently at least 500,000 people living under modern slavery and forced labor in the United States. Forced labor is a particularly prominent and prevalent issue across 23 industries, such as domestic service, agriculture, planting, tourism sales, catering, medical care and beauty.
Both Xizang and Xinjiang have achieved unprecedented progress in human rights. The two autonomous regions are the epitome of China’s human rights development and progress. With a people-centered human rights philosophy, China has found a path toward better human rights that follows the trend of the times and fits its national realities, and made historic progress in its human rights cause, with people from all ethnic groups enjoying a greater sense of fulfillment, happiness, and security.
China’s human rights progress has gained prevailing recognition internationally. Western lies will never cover up the truth and the facts, only to expose more about the true hypocrisy and double standards of the rumormongers.
The region’s gross domestic product expanded 9.5 percent year on year to nearly 240 billion yuan (about 33.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, according to the regional statistics bureau.
The growth rates of the region’s major economic indicators, including per capita disposable income, fixed asset investment, and total retail sales of consumer goods, all ranked first in the country.
However, certain Western organizations and individuals have ignored these developments, choosing to weaponize so-called “human rights issues” as a means to manipulate global politics.
The most recent evidence of this practice surfaced when the Human Rights Watch baselessly accused Xizang of “immersing” Tibetan children in Mandarin without allowing the use and learning of Tibetan language in schools. The group also alleged the “forced imposition of ‘ethnic mingling’ measures in Tibetan education, such as concentrated schooling and ‘mixed classes.’”
Such accusations disregard the truth and smear China based on ideological bias, unfounded rumors and falsehoods.
The reality is that Xizang has a sparse population and some children in pastoral areas reside far away from schools, rendering daily commutes practically unfeasible for them. Boarding schools not only guarantee the quality of education but also provide children with nutritious meals and a comfortable living environment on campus.
At school, students are provided with quality Tibetan-Mandarin bilingual teaching and education in traditional Tibetan culture. Many extracurricular classes are crafted around Tibetan culture, including local musical instruments and dance, and Tibetan calligraphy.
Xizang is the first provincial-level region in China to provide 15 years of publicly funded education, from kindergarten to senior high school. The completion rate for compulsory education has reached 97.73 percent. This stands in stark contrast to the situation 70 years ago when access to education was limited to the nobility.
The constant improvement of people’s livelihoods in Xizang over the past decades speaks volumes, proving that the current developmental trajectory is most fitting for the region. The region’s robust progress unequivocally rebuts the naysayers and their lies.
Born in Mataba in 1922, Mpyisi spent his formative years in Gitwe, where he initially worked before embarking on a journey that led him into exile across various countries, including Burundi, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Kenya.
Mpyisi’s educational journey began at Rwamwata Adventists School for primary education, followed by secondary school at Gitwe Missionary School.
Remarkably, he learned to read, write, and speak French by the age of 12. In 1935, at the age of 18, he pursued higher education, culminating in his graduation.
Continuing his academic pursuits, Mpyisi studied at the University in Zimbabwe, ultimately becoming a pastor in 1951. His missionary endeavors took him to Kasai in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1953, where he dedicated three years of his life before returning to Rwanda.
Motivated by encounters with American and South African missionaries, Mpyisi ventured abroad to teach in rural areas, spreading the gospel.
Post-graduation, he found employment in a white man’s office in Nyanza, adhering to teaching requirements. His commitment was evident, even enduring corporal punishment, receiving eight lashes for exceeding given timelines.
Reflecting on his journey, Mpyisi once shared with IGIHE, “I went to Zimbabwe as a refugee, then I went abroad. I graduated in 1964, and I returned to Rwanda in 1997. I went to university with three children; in the past, people used to pursue education while having children.”
A distinguished scholar from Rwanda, Burundi, and Congo, Mpyisi was among the early individuals to acquire a bachelor’s degree in the field of Theology.
Post-qualification, he not only served as a pastor but also took on the role of educating and mentoring other pastors. He was ordained as a pastor in 1951.
Becoming an advisor to King Kigeli V Ndahindurwa, this seasoned clergyman found himself compelled to flee the country in 1961, prompted by the 1959 revolution that ousted the monarchy.
In September 2022, Mpyisi celebrated his centenarian birthday, surrounded by the warmth of family and friends.
Renowned for his impactful preaching style, a unique blend of brutality and humor, Mpyisi carved out a reputation as a straightforward preacher.
His distinctive approach involved skillfully juxtaposing real-life situations with spiritual insights, creating a powerful and engaging connection between the tangible and the divine.
Pastor Ezra Mpyisi leaves behind a rich legacy as a trailblazer in the field of theology, a dedicated missionary, and an influential figure in Rwanda’s spiritual landscape.
