Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, stressed in the letter that the CYP should follow the Party and cultivate qualified builders for the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics.
As International Children’s Day approaches, Xi extended his greetings to children across the country. He said children represent the future force in building a strong nation and rejuvenating the Chinese nation.
He urged the CYP to educate and guide its members to become exemplary young people of the new era who love the Party and the country, and are diligent in their studies and well-rounded in their development.
Xi called for creating a favorable environment for the children’s healthy growth.
Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, attended the opening meeting of the congress.
Shi Taifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the CPC Central Committee’s Organization Department, read out Xi’s letter at the meeting and delivered a speech on behalf of the CPC Central Committee. He urged CYP members to keep Xi’s teachings in mind and stay prepared to contribute to the great cause of building a strong nation and revitalizing the Chinese nation.
The lodge will be nestled against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Rwanyakazinga and the Mutumba Mountains.
This intimate eight-bed camp features two twin suites and a private four-bed villa, each equipped with private plunge pools and Star Beds designed for stargazing.
The villa includes two en-suite bedrooms, a communal lounge, dining area, kitchen, and a versatile third room that can serve as a gym, kids’ room, or office.
IGIHE has learned that the four-bed villa is priced at $12,500 (over Frw 17 million) per night. For guests staying in the twin suites, the rate is $3,000 (over Frw 4 million). In other words, this is a premium camp.
Located within Central Africa’s largest protected wetland, Akagera National Park boasts ten diverse habitat types—from open plains and woodlands to swamps and rolling hills—offering exceptional game-viewing opportunities.
The lodge provides guests the chance to observe iconic species such as lions, rhinos, and elephants in their natural environment while supporting vital conservation efforts.
Wilderness, the owner of this lodge, has operated in Rwanda since 2016. It owns Bisate Lodge, which opened in 2017 in Musanze District. The company also owns several renowned lodges across Africa, including Mombo in Botswana, Little Kulala in Namibia, Usawa Serengeti in Tanzania, and Linkwasha in Zimbabwe.
According to the company’s management, Magashi Peninsula will offer a transformative experience, deeply rooted in purpose and inspired by Rwanda’s sole high-end savannah refuge.
“As we eagerly await the arrival of our first guests this September, the camp provides a unique chance to fully immerse in an unforgettable safari experience, while actively contributing to the ongoing success of vital conservation efforts in one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas.
“It will stand as a powerful symbol of the resilience of nature and our unwavering commitment to preserving this extraordinary landscape for future generations,” said Manzi Kayihura, Wilderness Rwanda Executive Director.
The Government of Rwanda’s five-year development plan aims to accelerate growth by projecting that tourism—across various activities—will generate $1.1 billion by 2029, up from $620 million.
In 2024, the tourism sector generated $647 million (over Frw 932 billion), marking a 4.3% increase compared to the previous year. This growth was largely driven by a 27% rise in tourism revenue linked to gorilla trekking and an 11% increase in air travel.
That same year, Rwanda hosted over 1.36 million visitors and organized more than 115 events and conferences attended by over 52,315 participants from around the world.
Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions brought in over $84.8 million in revenue.
Regarding investment, the report indicates that Rwanda attracted commitments totaling approximately $3.2 billion in 2024—representing a 32.4% increase over the $2.4 billion target set by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) for that year.
According to a report shared by the park on Tuesday, its conservation efforts advanced significantly through innovative ecosystem monitoring using environmental DNA, alongside wildlife management initiatives such as collaring lions, elephants, and rhinos.
Moreover, the park celebrated the birth and survival of several black and white rhino calves, marking a key milestone in species recovery.
In addition, biodiversity surveys tracked thousands of butterflies and dung beetles, providing valuable insights into ecosystem health. Training programs for conservation staff and University of Rwanda students further strengthened local expertise and capacity.
Community engagement also thrived throughout the year. Over 2,000 students, hundreds of teachers and leaders, and around 8,000 community members participated in educational activities such as game drives and visits to the Savannah Learning Centre.
Furthermore, conservation-focused events like the Rhino Velo Race and Lion’s Cup football tournament drew approximately 25,000 attendees, amplifying awareness and support for conservation.
Local cooperatives equally benefited from park-supported initiatives. For instance, fishing cooperatives harvested over 130,000 kilograms of fish, while the beekeeping union produced 13 tonnes of honey valued at roughly $60,000.
Meanwhile, infrastructure upgrades included the renovation of Karenge Bush Camp and the construction of new ranger posts.
Sustainability measures, such as the introduction of clean cookstoves, solar heating systems, and a ban on single-use plastics, also reinforced the park’s strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by President Paul Kagame and his Kazakhstani counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Aqorda Presidential Palace in Astana, during President Kagame’s official visit to attend the 2025 Astana International Forum (AIF).
The newly signed agreements cover key areas including diplomatic and political consultations, information and communication technology (ICT), education, agriculture, finance, and mining, reflecting both countries’ commitment to shared development goals.
Earlier in the day, President Kagame received a warm welcome, including a ceremonial guard of honour. He later held high-level bilateral talks with President Tokayev, beginning with a private tête-à-tête, followed by expanded discussions involving both leaders’ delegations.
In his remarks, President Kagame lauded Kazakhstan’s impressive development trajectory and rising influence on the global stage.
“Kazakhstan has made remarkable strides in national development, matched by a growing and constructive role on the world stage. This speaks to your leadership, Mr President, and to the determination of the Kazakh people,” he stated.
“In Rwanda, we know that such progress is built over time through good governance and working with the right partners. That is why we are here,” he added.
President Tokayev commended Rwanda’s institutional resilience and strong economic performance, particularly its recent 8% economic growth rate. He also reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening ties with African nations.
The two leaders’ discussions highlighted priority areas for future cooperation, including trade, investment, transport, digitalisation, e-government services, and sustainable agriculture. Both leaders agreed on the importance of leveraging their countries’ respective strengths to foster mutual progress and global collaboration.
The strategic agreements signed today are expected to serve as a foundation for robust cooperation, facilitating knowledge exchange, private sector partnerships, and policy alignment between Rwanda and Kazakhstan in the years ahead.
The meeting took place at the Aqorda Presidential Palace in the Kazakhstani capital, Astana, where President Kagame was warmly received by his host with a guard of honour.
According to the Rwandan Presidency, the two leaders engaged in tête-à-tête discussions, followed by expanded talks with their respective delegations.
During the bilateral meeting, President Kagame praised Kazakhstan’s development path and its growing influence in global affairs.
“Kazakhstan has made remarkable strides in national development, matched by a growing and constructive role on the world stage. This speaks to your leadership, Mr President, and to the determination of the Kazakh people. We are happy to be partners and friends. In Rwanda, we know that such progress is built over time through good governance and working with the right partners. That is why we are here,” President Kagame said.
The Kazakhstani presidency confirmed that the discussions highlighted shared ambitions in sustainable development and mutual progress. President Tokayev commended Rwanda’s impressive 8% economic growth and the country’s institutional resilience, reaffirming Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening ties with African nations.
During the meeting, the two sides outlined priority areas for further cooperation, including trade, investment, transport, agriculture, digitalisation, e-government, and finance.
President Kagame arrived in Kazakhstan on Tuesday to participate in the Astana International Forum, a global platform that convenes leaders and experts to tackle pressing challenges facing the world today.
This year’s edition of the Forum expands its agenda to encompass critical topics such as energy security, climate action, geopolitical cooperation, international trade, technological innovation, and sustainable development, reflecting the interconnected nature of today’s global landscape and the need for collaborative, cross-sectoral solutions.
The trial, which began on Saturday, May 24, features ten electric buses operating daily from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Buses leave terminal stations every three to five minutes, even if not fully occupied, allowing passengers along the route to board more easily. Each bus departs with a maximum of 63 passengers, with remaining seats left for roadside pickups.
The initiative is part of Kigali’s broader push to make public transport more efficient and accessible and is being implemented by the City of Kigali in collaboration with the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), EcoFleet, and BASIGO.
Emma Claudine Ntirenganya, the Director General for Communication and Education at the City of Kigali, says the pilot will help determine the best way to improve the overall passenger experience.
“With this pilot study, we want to understand whether drivers who experience low passenger volumes during off-peak hours can make up for it during peak times,” Ntirenganya revealed during a recent media interview.
“We also want to make room for those onboarding along the way. Typically, buses get overcrowded at stations and people waiting at intermediate stops are left stranded. This new system is helping us rethink how we serve all commuters more equitably.”
If the trial proves successful, authorities plan to expand the system to other routes across the city.
The fallen soldiers to be honored on May 29, 2025, as the United Nations will be marking the International Day of Peacekeepers at its New York headquarters, are Sergeant Major Murwanashyaka Fiston, who died on February 24, 2024, and Corporal Eliakim Niyitegeka, who died on July 11, 2024.
Both will be part of 57 peacekeepers posthumously awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal at a ceremony in New York. These include 23 soldiers, 33 civilians, and one police officer.
Dag Hammarskjöld was the second Secretary-General of the United Nations, serving from April 1953 until his death in September 1961 in a plane crash in Zambia.
On July 22, 1997, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution establishing the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal to honor all personnel who die while serving in UN peacekeeping missions.
The medal’s regulations, established by then Secretary-General Kofi Annan in December 2000, state that any soldier, police officer, or civilian who dies in the line of duty, provided they were not involved in misconduct or crimes, will be awarded the medal.
The Secretary-General will also present awards to the 2024 Military Gender Advocate of the Year, Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme from Ghana, and the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year award to Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone.
Both of them serve with the United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA).
This year’s theme for the Day is “the Future of Peacekeeping”. The theme emphasizes that the Pact for the Future — adopted last year at the United Nations — includes a commitment to adapt peacekeeping to changing world, as expressed by Member States’ pledges presented to fill capability gaps and help adapt UN peacekeeping to emerging challenges and new realities at the recent Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin.
In his message, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said: “Today, peacekeepers face increasingly complex situations in an increasingly complex world… Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations — and the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges.”
“Today, we honour their service,” Guterres stated. “We draw inspiration from their resilience, dedication and courage. And we remember all the brave women and men who made the ultimate sacrifice for peace. We will never forget them — and we will carry their work forward.”
“Our personnel are our most important capability. The sacrifices made by our peacekeepers call for more than remembrance; they demand action,” said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations.
“Throughout its history, peacekeeping has always adapted to ever-changing contexts to achieve results. The future of peacekeeping hinges on our collective commitment to continue to adapt and invest—so we can continue delivering hope and protection where it’s needed most,” he added.
The International Day of UN Peacekeepers was established by the UN General Assembly in 2002, to pay tribute to all men and women serving in peacekeeping, and to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.
“What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realize is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He’s playing with fire!” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post Tuesday morning.
Trump on Sunday made harsh remarks on both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“I’m not happy with what Putin’s doing,” Trump told reporters before he took Air Force One from Morristown, New Jersey back to Washington, D.C.
“I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin,” he said.
Later on Sunday evening, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post that Putin “has gone absolutely CRAZY!”
He then turned to Zelensky, saying he was doing his country “no favors by talking the way he does,” a reference to statements Zelensky made earlier on Sunday criticizing U.S. silence on the latest Russian attacks.
The Trump administration has warned in recent months that it could walk away from the frustrating negotiations for a cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine.
In response to Trump’s escalating criticism, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev wrote in a social media post on Tuesday that “Regarding Trump’s words about Putin ‘playing with fire’ and ‘really bad things’ happening to Russia. I only know of one REALLY BAD thing – WWIII. I hope Trump understands this.”
At the opening, Rwanda was recognized as a partner country. Represented by the Rwandan Embassy in Poland and various private sector companies, Rwanda’s participation highlights its growing presence in the international coffee market.
The expo running from May 27–29, 2025, brought together industry leaders, offering a platform to explore cutting-edge innovations in coffee production, roasting, brewing, and retail.
The accompanying congress provides opportunities for expanding knowledge, acquiring skills, and networking with global coffee sector players.
In an interview with IGIHE after the opening, Prof. Anastase Shyaka, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Poland, highlighted that Rwanda’s prominent role as a partner country reflects the organizers’ recognition of the nation’s rising influence in the coffee industry.
“This shows that the organizers attach great importance to Rwanda, and we thank them for that,” he said.
The expo attracted distinguished attendees, including the President of Ptak Warsaw and Poland’s former Minister of the Economy and Deputy Prime Minister, who initiated a partnership with Africa a decade ago and has continued to nurture it.
Rwanda’s participation symbolized the strong bilateral ties and Poland’s view of Rwanda as a welcoming and dynamic hub for trade and investment.
“Rwanda’s participation at the opening is a symbol that this country values our partnership and sees Rwanda as a nation mobilizing traders to participate,” Ambassador Anastase noted.
Discussions at the expo highlighted Rwanda’s visionary approach, particularly its innovative use of technology in agriculture, which impressed many attendees.
“Those we discussed expressed happiness about Rwanda’s vision. Some were impressed by the way we deploy technology in agriculture,” the ambassador shared.
This enthusiasm has sparked interest in deeper collaboration, with organizers and participants expressing a desire for more Rwandan involvement in future programs.
“We are participating for the first time, but with optimism, it won’t be the last participation,” Prof. Shyaka added.
Rwanda’s success at the expo was bolstered by its strong leadership and strategic partnerships, particularly with the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB).
The NAEB’s bold vision for expanding markets for Rwandan agricultural produce, including its world-renowned coffee, was a key driver of the country’s impactful presence.
“They are eager for Rwanda’s involvement and are waiting for more, thanks to Rwanda’s good leadership and partnership with NAEB,” Anastase emphasized.
A significant focus of Rwanda’s participation was engaging the private sector, with Rwandan companies exploring market expansion opportunities.
“As the embassy and colleagues, we are here to help Rwanda connect with potential partners to gain benefits—it is our responsibility,” he affirmed.
Rwanda’s ambitions extend beyond participation, with a clear goal to elevate its coffee and tea industries to rank among Africa’s top five.
“We will be glad to see Rwanda moving forward in coffee and tea rankings, aiming to be among the top five on the continent. We want this success to come to Rwanda,” Prof. Shyaka declared, highlighting the mandate given by the President of the Republic to drive this vision forward.
Tomasz Szypuła, Chairman of the Board of Ptak Warsaw Expo, extended a warm welcome to Rwanda as the event’s partner country, emphasizing the growing bonds of solidarity and friendship between Poland and Rwanda.
Szypuła also outlined a vision for enhanced cooperation to boost Rwanda’s competitiveness in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe, while also promoting Polish trade in Rwanda.
According to Rwanda’s Office of the President, Kagame and his host President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will also hold a closed-door meeting on Wednesday before addressing a joint press conference.
The Astana International Forum is slated for May 29 through 30, will bring together global leaders and experts to discuss pressing world issues.
Rwanda’s diplomatic ties with Kazakhstan were formally established in 2016 when Rwanda appointed a representative to the Central Asian nation.
On September 25, 2024, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Olivier Nduhungirehe held a bilateral meeting with Murat Nurtleu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79).
During this meeting, both ministers signed an agreement on Visa Exemption for citizens of both countries.
Kazakhstan is a major economic and political player in Central Asia, contributing about 60% of the region’s GDP, largely driven by oil and gas exports. The country is also rich in mineral resources.
The Astana International Forum, held annually in the capital city of Astana, began in 2008.
The forum brings together heads of state, entrepreneurs, experts, and international organizations to address global challenges such as security, international politics, energy, climate change, and economic development.
