He was speaking in Abu Dhabi on July 4, 2026, during Kwibohora32 celebrations hosted at a reception that brought together more than 300 guests, including senior UAE government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, friends of Rwanda, and members of the Rwandan community.
The event was attended by Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development and International Organizations, who represented the UAE government.
Addressing guests, Ambassador Mirenge reflected on the significance of Rwanda’s Liberation on July 4, 1994, when the Rwanda Patriotic Army ended the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and liberated the country.
“Rwanda’s Liberation was far more than a military victory. It marked the rebirth of a nation. It restored dignity to our people and created the conditions for unity, reconciliation, and inclusive nation-building,” Ambassador Mirenge said.
He noted that the liberation laid the foundation for Rwanda’s recovery and long-term development, enabling the country to emerge as a stable and forward-looking nation.
“Our story is no longer defined by tragedy, but by remarkable transformation. Today, Rwanda is widely recognised as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies and one of its safest, cleanest, and best-governed countries,” he added.
The ambassador also highlighted the growing strategic partnership between Rwanda and the United Arab Emirates, describing it as a reflection of the strong relations between the two countries.
According to Ambassador Mirenge, bilateral trade has increased from approximately USD 300 million a decade ago to around USD 1 billion today, while cumulative UAE investments in Rwanda have exceeded USD 320 million, underscoring growing investor confidence in Rwanda’s business environment.
He further emphasized the role of sustained high-level engagements in strengthening cooperation, citing President Paul Kagame’s visit to the UAE last year, as well as visits by senior UAE officials to Rwanda.
These exchanges, he noted, continue to deepen collaboration in trade, investment, technology, innovation, infrastructure, and other strategic sectors.
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Mirenge invited investors and business leaders from the UAE and beyond to explore opportunities in Rwanda, reaffirming the country’s commitment to maintaining a conducive environment for investment and long-term partnerships.
The celebration formed part of Rwanda’s global commemorations of Kwibohora32, marking 32 years since the country’s liberation and reflecting on the progress achieved in unity, reconciliation, and socio-economic transformation.
Over 300 people attended Kwibohora32 celebration in the UAEAmbassador John Mirenge with Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development and International Organizations at UAE Ministry of Foreign AffairsAmbassador John Mirenge addressing the audience at the celebration of Kwibohora32
The event brought together over 500 guests including members of the Rwandan community living in Zambia, host Government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps in Zambia, and Friends of Rwanda.
The Guest of Honour representing the Government of Zambia was Mr. Kangwa Chileshe, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts who saluted Rwanda’s journey as an inspiration to Africa.
Speaking on behalf of Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Chileshe congratulated the Government and people of Rwanda for the gains thus far.
“Kwibohora is a powerful testament to resilience and unity. Zambia notes with admiration Rwanda’s remarkable transformation. From post-conflict recovery to sustained development, your journey is an inspiration to the African continent,” Mr. Chileshe said.
“Zambia and Rwanda enjoy cordial relations anchored in mutual respect. We reaffirm our commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation under AU Agenda 2063 for the benefit of our two peoples.”
He thanked the Rwandan community in Zambia for their contribution to the Zambian economy and assured them of continued government support.
Emmanuel Bugingo, High Commissioner of Rwanda to Zambia, said Kwibohora32 marks a day when Rwandans pay tribute to the Rwandan men and women whose selfless efforts and valor liberated the country and laid the foundation for national unity, reconciliation and development.
“Rwanda has transformed from a post-conflict, ruined economy in 1994 into one of Africa’s fastest-growing and stable economies up to date, driven by structural reforms, service sector growth, and foreign investments. Rwanda’s economy recorded a GDP growth rate of 9.4% in 2025 and 10% GDP growth in the first quarter and is projected to be 7.2% for the year 2026,” High Commissioner Bugingo stated.
“Rwanda aspires to become an upper-middle income country (UMIC) by 2035, and a high-income country (HIC) by 2050. We remain thankful for the unity and resilience the people of Rwanda have been able to build and for ably turning around Rwanda’s fortunes.”
“We thank the Government and people of Zambia for their warm hospitality. We are committed to deepening Rwanda-Zambia cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education and regional peace.”
He also urged the Rwandan community in Zambia to uphold the values of hard work and unity.
The event was marked by a celebration of Culture and Faith with a display of cultural performances, Rwandan music and a homily presided over by Bishop Joshua H.K. Banda, Presiding Bishop of the Northmead Assemblies of God Zambia (PAOGZ).
Speaking at Kwibohora32 celebrations n Lusaka, High Commissioner Bugingo has urged the Rwandan community in Zambia to uphold the values of hard work and unity.
The new hospital, located in Kicukiro District, has already been completed. Built by China’s Shanghai Construction Group Co. Ltd, the project cost 580 million Chinese yuan, equivalent to more than Rwf124 billion.
The move will almost double CHUK’s capacity, increasing the number of beds from the current 453 to 837.
The facility is designed to deliver highly specialized healthcare, featuring 18 operating theatres, excluding those dedicated to Caesarean sections, as well as modern medical equipment, including four X-ray machines, two angiography systems, MRI technology, advanced radiology facilities, and other state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment equipment.
Appearing before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on July 2, 2026, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Jean Marie Vianney Ndayizigiye, said Kibagabaga Hospital would help absorb some of the patients who currently seek treatment at CHUK once the relocation is completed.
Although the new hospital is nearly twice the size of the existing facility, Ndayizigiye said the current CHUK site will continue operating as a major emergency care centre.
“The ICU, emergency services and the Trauma Center will remain there because it is located in the city centre, where road traffic accidents are common. The facility will continue to provide specialised care for critically injured patients,” he said.
The new CHUK is part of a growing medical district in Masaka. Nearby is IRCAD Africa, a regional centre that trains surgeons in digestive cancer surgery, robotic-assisted procedures and minimally invasive techniques.
The area will also host a specialised heart hospital, while a centre dedicated to epidemic preparedness, infectious disease management and research is currently under construction.
Four health centres set for upgrade
To strengthen healthcare services around the new hospital, the Ministry of Health also plans to upgrade four health centres into medicalised facilities capable of providing advanced and emergency care.
Ndayizigiye said Busanza, Gatenga, Gahanga and Muyumbu health centres will be upgraded to ease pressure on Masaka Hospital, which already serves a large number of patients.
“Upgrading these health centres will allow them to provide higher-level medical services and reduce the burden currently borne by Masaka Hospital,” he said.
He added that feasibility studies are expected to be completed during the 2026/27 financial year, paving the way for construction and expansion works.
Modern buildings at the new CHUK campus in Masaka showcase Rwanda’s growing investment in advanced healthcare infrastructure and specialised medical services.The new CHUK hospital features state-of-the-art medical equipment, including MRI technology, angiography systems, advanced radiology facilities and multiple operating theatres.The newly completed CHUK facility in Masaka is set to begin receiving patients by the end of 2026, nearly doubling the hospital’s capacity from 453 to 837 beds.
Citing unnamed sources, the report said the upcoming round will focus on U.S. sanctions on Iran, Iranian frozen assets, and the Iranian nuclear file.
It added that the level of representation of the Iranian delegation will be decided after the funeral of late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
On June 18, Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on ending the war in the region on all fronts, including Lebanon.
On June 22, technical negotiations between Iran and the United States were held in Switzerland following high-level consultations between Iranian and U.S. delegations the previous day with the mediation of Pakistan and Qatar.
On Wednesday, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari confirmed that Qatari and Pakistani mediators had concluded separate meetings with U.S. and Iranian negotiators, making positive progress on issues related to the MoU.
He said the parties agreed to continue discussions in the coming period, with the next meeting to be scheduled at the earliest possible time.
According to a situation report released Saturday by the DRC public health authorities, a total of 239 patients have recovered, while 628 confirmed patients are currently in isolation or hospitalization. Authorities have also identified 185 suspected cases.
The report said weekly confirmed cases have continued to rise, with epidemiological weeks 25 and 26 recording the highest levels so far, each exceeding 300 cases, indicating continued community transmission.
The report listed several major challenges, including community resistance to post-mortem sampling, insufficient capacity at Ebola treatment centers, especially in the eastern province of North Kivu, suboptimal contact tracing, delayed laboratory diagnosis, shortages of medical and infection-prevention supplies, insecurity and limited access in some affected areas.
The WHO said Thursday that a clinical trial had begun enrolling patients in the DRC to evaluate potential treatments for Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
Medical workers escort an Ebola patient to an Ebola treatment center in Mongbwalu, Ituri Province, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, June 20, 2026. (Xinhua)
That question was at the heart of a recent roundtable held in Hangzhou, China’s Zhejiang Province, where journalists from Rwanda and Ethiopia joined Chinese media professionals and researchers to discuss the future of journalism and China–Africa cooperation in an AI-driven world.
Organized by the All-China Journalists Association under the theme “The Power of Journalism and the China–Africa Community with a Shared Future,” the discussions focused on a growing challenge facing both media and technology sectors; ensuring that artificial intelligence reflects the realities of Africa and China rather than reproducing incomplete or externally shaped narratives.
While participants touched on broader China–Africa cooperation, including trade and economic ties, the conversation quickly turned to a different kind of exchange—one involving data, knowledge, and representation.
This year marks a significant milestone in relations between China and Africa. Over the past decades, the partnership has demonstrated that sustainable development is not built on charity, but on mutual respect and equal cooperation.
Zhang Qiaowen, Deputy Director of the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, briefly highlighted the depth of China–Africa engagement, noting that Zhejiang accounts for around a quarter of China’s trade with Africa and hosts thousands of businesses involved in Africa-related commerce.
Under the framework of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), economic ties have evolved from a focus on aid and basic infrastructure to a more balanced model driven by trade and investment.
Trade between China and Africa has grown dramatically, rising from US$10 billion in 2000 to nearly US$350 billion today. Since 2009, China has remained Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years and has also become one of the continent’s fastest-growing sources of investment, even as the global economy faces a growing wave of protectionism.
However, she stressed that the next stage of cooperation is not only about trade volumes but also about how African realities are understood and communicated.
“These are the real stories waiting to be told,” Zhang said, referring to the experiences of African businesses, farmers, entrepreneurs, and communities navigating a rapidly changing global environment.
Participants at the June 24, 2026, Hangzhou roundtable examined emerging AI tools such as Ubuntu AI and their role in improving knowledge exchange and narrative balance between Africa and China.
From trade partnership to knowledge partnership
That concern forms the foundation of Ubuntu AI, a platform introduced during the discussions as a new tool designed to improve how Africa-related knowledge is collected, interpreted, and shared.
Developed jointly by the Zhejiang International Communication Center (ZICC), Zhejiang Normal University’s Institute of African Studies, and other partners, Ubuntu AI is described as China’s first intelligent application dedicated to African studies and China–Africa knowledge exchange.
According to Yang Jidong, Director of the Converged Media Innovation Hub at Zhejiang Daily Press Group, the project emerged from a recognition that many existing large AI models are trained predominantly on Western datasets and information systems.
“The core point of this smart application is that many big models today are based on traditional or Western database training,” Yang explained.
Ubuntu AI seeks to address that imbalance by building a knowledge base rooted more directly in African realities, cultures, research, and experiences.
“The main purpose of Ubuntu is to train local African-related cultures,” Yang said, adding that the platform is designed to ensure that “our database can represent local African cultures.”
Unlike general-purpose AI systems that pull information from vast and often inconsistent online sources, Ubuntu AI relies on what Yang described as a “clean and authoritative database” specifically curated around African studies.
“Ubuntu AI is very different from traditional big models because big models are more susceptible to AI hallucinations,” he said.
AI hallucinations refer to instances where artificial intelligence systems generate information that appears credible but is inaccurate or entirely fabricated.
According to Yang, Ubuntu AI addresses this challenge through its underlying architecture, which combines specialized databases with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) technology. Rather than generating responses solely from a model’s internal training, the system first retrieves verified information from its knowledge base before producing an answer.
“This allows me to search for the information I want to understand from my clean database and then generate the corresponding answer through big models,” Yang explained.
For journalists covering Africa, he believes the implications are significant.
“When journalists are collecting data, they can get very authoritative and core information, which can help the media produce content,” he said.
Yang Jidong is the Director of the Converged Media Innovation Hub at Zhejiang Daily Press Group
Building an AI model rooted in African realities
The platform supports multiple languages and draws from a wide range of sources, including academic research, media archives, and policy materials. Its goal is not simply to provide information, but to improve context and accuracy in reporting and research.
For African journalists in particular, the initiative raises the prospect of having AI tools that better reflect local realities rather than relying exclusively on datasets developed elsewhere.
Yang argued that Ubuntu AI’s greatest strength lies not in the technology itself but in the quality of the knowledge that powers it.
“I think the core of Ubuntu AI is its database,” he said. “With the expansion of the database, Ubuntu’s ability will become stronger.”
He also emphasized that the project’s long-term success will depend on collaboration.
“I hope that Chinese research institutions, local African media, and database research institutions can work together to build this database,” Yang said.
Why Ubuntu AI could matter for the future of journalism
That vision aligns closely with the philosophy behind the platform’s name. Derived from the African concept of Ubuntu—often translated as “I am because we are”—the system is intended to function as a shared knowledge ecosystem rather than a one-sided technological product.
Participants at the roundtable repeatedly emphasized that despite advances in AI, journalism remains fundamentally a human profession.
Technology can assist with research, translation, analysis, and content production, but journalists remain responsible for verification, context, and ethical judgment.
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in global information systems, initiatives such as Ubuntu AI reflect a growing effort to ensure that Africa is not merely represented in those systems but actively helps shape them.
For both Africa and China, the challenge ahead is not simply building smarter technologies. It is building technologies that understand people, cultures, and societies on their own terms.
And in an era where algorithms increasingly influence how the world sees itself, that may be one of the most important stories of all.
According to the latest figures released by the Congolese government, the overall fatality rate stood at 30.6 percent. A total of 595 patients are currently in isolation or hospitalized, while 213 patients have recovered. The rate of contact follow-up across the three affected provinces stood at 82.7 percent.
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Director-General Jean Kaseya warned Thursday that the ongoing outbreak remains “very serious”, as the current outbreak has recorded a particularly rapid increase in both cases and deaths compared with previous Ebola outbreaks in the DRC and the West African Ebola epidemic at the same stage.
DRC Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba called for accelerating clinical trials on monoclonal antibodies and the development of effective vaccines against Bundibugyo ebolavirus, for which no approved treatment currently exists.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said Thursday that a clinical trial had begun enrolling patients in the DRC to evaluate potential treatments for Bundibugyo virus disease.
According to the WHO, the trial will assess the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral drug remdesivir, alone and in combination, to determine whether they can improve survival among patients diagnosed with Bundibugyo virus disease.
Health worker stands near displaced people waiting for the burial at Kigonze camp. Pic: Reuters
The case was identified through enhanced disease surveillance for Ebola, according to WHO. Ugandan health authorities notified WHO of the confirmed case on June 30. No new Ebola cases have been reported in the country since June 21.
Health authorities have informed WHO that they are monitoring all identified contacts of the Marburg case, but so far none have shown symptoms. WHO is supporting investigations to determine the source of exposure, assess the public health risk, and support community engagement.
According to the WHO website, Marburg virus disease (MVD), formerly known as Marburg haemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans. The average MVD case fatality rate is around 50 percent. Case fatality rates have varied from 24 percent to 88 percent in past outbreaks.
Early supportive care with rehydration, and symptomatic treatment improves survival. There are currently no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for MVD, but a range of vaccines and drug therapies are under development.
The WHO said it continues to work with the Ugandan authorities to contain any potential spread and will provide further updates as the situation evolves.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday hailed the 105-year history of the Communist Party of China (CPC) as the “most magnificent epic” of the Chinese nation and urged the Party to press ahead to build China into a modern socialist country on schedule.
Addressing a gathering marking the CPC’s 105th founding anniversary, Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, called on Party members to remain steadfast in their convictions and work tirelessly to fulfill the Party’s missions in the new era and on the new journey.
Founded in 1921 against the backdrop of a weak China plagued by foreign humiliation and poverty, the CPC has grown from a small group of just over 50 members into the world’s largest governing party with tremendous global influence.
Xi underscored the importance of meeting the goal of fully realizing socialist modernization by the middle of the century.
“Time stops for no one, and neither does history,” he said.
The whole Party must adhere to its basic theory, basic line and basic policy to “remain undaunted by passing clouds and stay on course through wind and waves,” Xi said.
Stressing that the Party must rely closely on the people to create new historical feats, Xi urged Party members to “further reinvigorate the enterprising spirit for getting things done.”
He also called on the whole Party to actively respond to risks and challenges on the path ahead.
“China’s development is now in a period where strategic opportunities coexist with risks and challenges, and where uncertain and unpredictable factors are on the rise. We must always be prepared to withstand major tests of high winds and raging waves, and even violent storms,” he warned.
As profound changes unseen in a century accelerate, the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation, with humanity once again standing at a crossroads of choice, Xi said.
“We must continuously promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity,” he said.
Xi also stressed advancing full and rigorous Party self-governance with sustained efforts to win “the tough, protracted and all-out battle against corruption.”
“It is imperative that all of us in the Party never forget our original aspiration and founding mission, that we always stay modest, prudent, and hard-working, and that we have the courage and ability to carry on our fight,” he added.
According to the latest census, the CPC now has nearly 101.29 million members and over 5.43 million primary-level Party organizations.
At the gathering, Xi conferred the July 1 Medal, the Party’s highest honor, on model CPC members.
A gathering in celebration of the 105th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)A gathering in celebration of the 105th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)A gathering in celebration of the 105th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)
In a message, Xi said that over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Seychelles have consistently trusted each other, and firmly supported each other regardless of changes in the international landscape, with the friendship between the two countries remaining rock solid.
Xi said he firmly believes that as long as both sides uphold the original aspiration behind the establishment of diplomatic relations and move forward side by side, the path of China-Seychelles ties will grow even broader and the prospects for bilateral cooperation become even brighter.
Noting that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Seychelles relations, Xi said he is willing to work with Herminie to take the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations as a new starting point to carry forward the traditional friendship.
Xi also pledged joint efforts with Herminie to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation within the frameworks of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and promote common development, so as to elevate the China-Seychelles strategic partnership to higher levels, and bring greater benefits to both peoples.
Herminie, in his message, said that over the 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Seychelles-China relations have steadily developed on the basis of mutual respect, mutual trust and common development.
China has always been a valuable partner for Seychelles, providing extensive support to improve the well-being of its people and achieve the country’s national development goals, he added.
Herminie said Seychelles firmly adheres to the one-China principle and stays ready to strengthen cooperation within the frameworks of the Belt and Road cooperation and the FOCAC to continuously deepen bilateral relations.
