Part of a package agreement, the second part of the grain initiative, which provides solutions to problems related to maritime logistics, freight, insurance, and connecting the Russian Agricultural Bank to the SWIFT payment system, saw no positive changes, said Abramchenko in an interview with local media.
She said that the Russian diplomatic department has continued to work on the grain deal, but there are few prospects for its resumption.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the conditions of the deal with Russia were not met, and the main goal of the deal — the supply of grain to needy countries, including African ones — was not achieved.
The Black Sea Grain Initiative is a part of a package agreement, signed by representatives of Russia, Türkiye, Ukraine, and the United Nations on July 22, 2022, allowing food and fertilizer exports from Russia and Ukraine through the Black Sea.
Moscow suspended its participation in the agreement on July 17, 2023, saying that it would return to the deal as soon as the Russian part of the agreement is fulfilled.
The rejection was reiterated during a trilateral summit held in Jordan’s Aqaba, where King Abdullah II of Jordan, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also called for international condemnation of and actions against such plans.
They stressed the need for continuing pressure on Israel to stop its aggression on Gaza and protect the innocent civilians in the strip, according to a statement by Jordan’s Royal Hashemite Court.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian president called for “a decisive stance” from the international community to push for a ceasefire in the besieged enclave and explained the efforts made by Egypt to open dialogue with all concerned parties to reach a truce agreement in Gaza.
The leaders also expressed complete rejection of any attempts to liquidate the Palestine issue and to separate Gaza and the West Bank, both of which are integral parts of the Palestinian state, the statement added.
At the summit, the three leaders reiterated the importance of ensuring sufficient delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in the enclave.
King Abdullah II, Sisi and Abbas also voiced “complete rejection of any attempts to reoccupy parts of Gaza,” stressing the necessity of “enabling the people of the Gaza Strip to return to their homes.”
Noting Israel’s hostilities in the West Bank, as well as its violations of Islamic and Christian sanctities in Jerusalem, the leaders warned that such actions could escalate tensions in the region.
The three heads of state agreed to continue working together in coordination with Arab and influential countries to find a political horizon for resolving the Palestine issue to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on a two-state solution, which entails restoring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and ensuring the establishment of their independent and sovereign state on the 1967 border and with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Before the summit, the Jordanian king held separate meetings with the Egyptian and Palestinian presidents to discuss efforts toward an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
The Aqaba summit was held while U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is on a tour in the Middle East over the conflict in Gaza. He has so far visited Türkiye, Greece, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel, the West Bank and Bahrain, and is expected to conclude his trip with a stop in Cairo on Thursday.
In the wake of President Habyarimana Juvénal’s death, the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi openly erupted across Rwanda. Mayors in various regions actively encouraged the erection of road blocks, branding Tutsis as enemies of the state. The then Nyamabuye Commune’s Mayor, Harerimana Thomas, however, took a different stance. He convened a meeting with cell and sector leaders, asserting that the Inkotanyi were not foreigners but Rwandans denied their rights, expelled, and now returning home.
Hatangimbabazi Augustin, head of cell Kirimahwa in Gatenzi Sector, implemented Harerimana’s directive to abstain from placing citizens at road blocks. Upon Harerimana’s resignation, Mayor Ruzigana Emmanuel assumed leadership, intensifying the encouragement of Hutus to kill Tutsis.
The cell committee members, including Hatangimbabazi, found themselves at the forefront of the genocide orchestrated by extremist Hutus.
On April 11, 1994, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the residents of Nyamabuye witnessed the ominous arrival of two tanks headed to the RIAM Center (now RMI), where government officials used to undergo training.
“The Abatabazi government arrived while we were at the road block, casting suspicion upon us. Gendarmes were immediately dispatched to inspect. People were dying horrendously, and we were falsely accused by a member of the Interahamwe militia, Diogène Twahirwa,” lamented Hatangimbabazi.
Swiftly, the government organized a vehicle to transport cell leaders, converging gendarmes and militia to carry out mass killings across Nyamabuye Commune.
Renowned Rwandan politician Boniface Rucagu once posited that the Abatabazi government strategically established a base in Gitarama to mobilize residents for the systematic extermination of Tutsis. Genocide survivors in Kabgayi attest to the leaders’ insidious role in fomenting hatred and orchestrating mass killings.
The aftermath of April 12, 1994, witnessed the ruthless conduct of law enforcement and military personnel. Policemen consumed alcohol without payment, soldiers indulged in excess, and looting became rampant. Hatangimbabazi, a tailor, found himself coerced into sewing shorts for the fleeing elite using stolen fabrics.
As the Abatabazi government’s tenure in Gitarama unfolded, it revealed a callous disregard for its people. Delayed provisions, unpaid debts, and looting by gendarmes further exposed the leadership’s lack of empathy.
The government’s brief stay in Gitarama came to an end in late April 1994, with Radio Rwanda persistently misleading the public about their actual location. Fleeing the advancing RPF-Inkotanyi forces, the government sought refuge in Gisenyi, eventually escaping to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Hatangimbabazi vividly recalls the leaders urging the populace to continue fighting against the Inkotanyi, revealing a chilling mindset that viewed the people as expendable in the face of their imminent defeat.
Now, as a reformed individual who served more than ten years for his role in the genocide, Hatangimbabazi dedicates himself to educating others about Rwanda’s tragic history, fostering understanding and healing in the Macyera cell where he resides.
During his recent three-day visit to Rwanda which he concluded on Tuesday 9th, King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein was welcomed by President Paul Kagame. Despite his age, the king maintains a youthful appearance, partly attributed to his commanding presence and the fact that his attire , unlike many leaders, is not a distant ‘costume’ but rather suits him like that of a contemporary young man. This deviation is often linked to his military background, a career he pursued diligently.
Born on January 30, 1962, in Amman, Jordan, King Abdullah II is the son of King Hussein and belongs to the Hashemite lineage, considered ancestors of the Messenger of God, Muhammad.
With 10 siblings, including six sisters and four brothers, he attended the Islamic Educational College for primary school, followed by secondary education in England and the United States.
In 1980, King Abdullah II commenced his military studies at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Notably, he shares this alma mater with Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of President Museveni, and Ian Kagame, the son of President Kagame. Continuing his academic journey, he spent a year specializing in International Politics at Oxford University in 1984.
Returning to Jordan after his studies, he embarked on a military career, earning the rank of Captain and later becoming a certified pilot for the Cobra Combat Helicopter. Furthering his education at Georgetown University in Washington in 1987, he continued to rise through the military ranks, culminating in his appointment as Commander of the Special Forces in the Jordanian Army in 1997.
In 1993, King Abdullah II married Queen Rania, and they have two children. His role in international politics gained prominence, particularly during the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
In November 2023, following Israel’s actions in Gaza, Jordan took a strong stance by summoning its ambassador and expressing concerns about war crimes.
King Abdullah II demonstrated his commitment to peace during his visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial in Rwanda. Reflecting on the 1994 Genocide against the tutsi, he emphasized the importance of intervening to prevent atrocities.
The King also hinted at the ongoing conflicts such as the war in Gaza where he urged the world to take action and find solutions to prevent further loss of innocent lives, emphasizing the need for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Jean Paul Kagabo, the Executive Secretary of Kabare Sector, explained that the action followed a survey of 16 houses across three different cells where churchgoers were found to be non-compliant with government plans. These individuals, associated with the Abadakata Hasi Church, were reported to resist COVID-19 vaccination and oppose government programs like subscription for medical insurance, school attendance, and communal efforts.
During the encounter, the six apprehended individuals were engaged in discussions about the Bible, leading five of them to reconsider their perspectives and agree to comply with government requirements.
However, one resident adamantly refused to cooperate, withdrew his five children from school, avoided paying tuition fees, and rejected other governmental initiatives. Despite attempts to persuade him, the authorities expressed the intention to involve the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) due to his alleged criminal activities.
Kagabo stressed the commitment to identify and address individuals holding such non-compliant beliefs, urging the public to steer clear of those who mislead them. Emphasizing the importance of adhering to government programs, Kagabo called on people to carefully read the Bible and avoid interference with initiatives like education and financial support.
The ‘Abadakata Hasi’ church is situated in the Rwinkwavu and Kabare sectors. Notably, in September 2023, five followers of the church were arrested in Rwinkwavu Sector and subsequently underwent reeducation, leading to a change in their perspectives.
Mayor Dative Kayitesi of Rutsiro District confirmed the completion of essential preliminary activities, including compensation for affected residents. However, some individuals still await compensation due to delays in submitting necessary land documents.
The road is strategically designed to address various challenges, such as those posed by the previously problematic River Koko, prone to flooding and issues with a damaged bridge.
Beyond enhancing connectivity, the road aims to streamline the transportation of goods to markets, eradicate isolation for lakeside residents, and contribute significantly to the overall regional development.
Spanning Mushubati, Gihango, Boneza, Mushonyi, Musasa, and Kigeyo sectors, the tarmac road will traverse the ‘brasserie’.
Jean Claude Twizerimana, a motorcyclist in Rutsiro District, underscored the road’s importance for motorists and its potential to elevate tourism in the area. He emphasized its intersection with the popular ‘Congo-Nile trail,’ frequently used by tourists on bicycles and pedestrians, envisioning the attraction of investors and the development of hotels.
Fare Construction company, a reputable participant in Rwandan construction projects, has been awarded the contract by the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA). The construction timeline is set at 15 months, with an estimated cost of Rwf18 billion.
The data released today reveals a 6% annual increase in “local products,” with a 3% monthly decrease. Prices of “imported products” rose by 7.8% annually and decreased by 1% monthly.
Fresh products saw an 11% annual increase and a 9.5% monthly decrease. Additionally, energy prices increased by 0.5% annually and decreased by 3.4% monthly.
The general Index excluding fresh products and energy increased by 5.7% annually and decreased by 0.1% monthly.
Initially announced by Boris Johnson in April 2022, the project to send asylum seekers to Rwanda has faced multiple delays due to legal challenges, and as of now, no asylum seeker has been sent from the UK to Rwanda.
Since the inception of this initiative, the Labour Party has consistently opposed it, even in the face of potential positive outcomes. In an interview with the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire on October 9, 2023, Keir Starmer, the leader of the British Labour Party, stated that he does not view Rwanda as a welcoming country for immigrants.
The Labour Party aims to compel the government to release a series of documents regarding its policy towards Rwanda and the immigrant transfer agreement between the two nations. A vote is scheduled for Tuesday to demand ministers disclose the cost of sending each asylum seeker to Rwanda, as well as the amounts paid and to be paid to Rwanda.
Additionally, the party seeks access to the full memorandum of understanding concluded with Rwanda. If the Parliament passes this resolution, it would entail a request to King Charles III to instruct the government to release these documents.
Yvette Cooper, a member of the British Labour Party and responsible for reviewing decisions of the Home Secretary, told the BBC that it is entirely unacceptable for the Conservatives to refuse to reveal the full costs of the project’s failure with Rwanda.
Keir Starmer’s party also wants the government to release documents revealed by the BBC, suggesting that Rishi Sunak had initially considered scaling down the project when he was Chancellor in 2022.
These documents, prepared at Downing Street when Boris Johnson was trying to convince Sunak to approve the plan, show that Sunak began expressing reservations about the project two months before its announcement and the signing of the agreement between Rwanda and the UK. At that time, Rishi Sunak was still the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Speaking to BBC on Sunday, December 7, Sunak, the former Chancellor, emphasized his duty to scrutinize every proposal as Chancellor, stressing the need for skepticism to guarantee taxpayers’ value for money.
Despite this, he expressed unwavering confidence in the success of the Rwanda immigration agreement. In December 2023, the UK Parliament approved a revised project with 313 votes in favor and 269 against. The bill will undergo further refinement based on feedback before its presentation to the Assembly in January 2024.
As he concluded the the visit on Tuesday 9th January 2024, King Abdullah II expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and commended the resilience and unity of the Rwandan people in transforming the country into a symbol of progress and prosperity.
President Kagame also took to X account to highlight the common values of peace, justice, and security that bind Rwanda and Jordan, and expressed eagerness to strengthen bilateral ties.
The visit included a tête-à-tête and bilateral talks between the leaders and their delegations, resulting in the signing of agreements and memoranda of understanding.
These encompassed areas such as the elimination of double taxation, cooperation in health and medical science, economic and trade collaboration, and agricultural cooperation.
King Abdullah II also paid respects to victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, emphasizing its significance as a testament to national reconciliation and a source of lessons for the world on overcoming tragedies to achieve unity, peace, and resilience.
Rwanda and Jordan’s collaboration extends to combating terrorism through direct communication, as well as cooperation in political consultations, higher education, health and medical sciences, defence and security, and air services.
The company said that deliveries of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) jumped by 74.4 percent year-on-year, to more than 376,000 units, meeting the full-year target for all-electric vehicles in total sales of 15 percent.
“With our new, highly attractive and technologically outstanding vehicles, we were able to ramp up electromobility even more dynamically in 2023,” said Jochen Goller, member of the board of management of BMW AG.
This year, one in five of the company’s newly-built cars is set to be a BEV, and by 2025 the target is one in four. “We see continued high demand for our fully-electric products,” Goller added.
In China, the carmaker saw sales of the BMW brand and MINI rise by 4.2 percent, to almost 825,000 vehicles.
